By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 16:01, Wednesday, 10 March 2010

The YMCA in Fisher Street, Carlisle, is likely to be sold.

Plans to convert the building into a support centre for homeless 18-to-25-year olds appear doomed because of Whitehall spending cuts.

The so-called ‘foyer project’ was set to go ahead when councillors granted planning consent in 2008 to convert the YMCA into nine bedsits and three shared flats.

There would also have been a multi-purpose hall while the existing shop, café, offices and social facilities would have been refurbished.

But an application for £1 million from the Government’s ‘places for change’ fund was knocked back.

Now Simon Taylor, Carlisle City Council’s housing and health services manager, says there is little chance of finding so much cash.

His report says: “The application was put onto a reserve list and to date no progress has been made accessing the grant.

“With the anticipated severe restrictions in the availability of funding from central government, the current and original development proposal has stalled.”

He is recommending that the council’s ruling executive, which meets next Monday, looks at other ways to provide a roof over the heads of homeless youngsters.

The council has £300,000 from the regional housing board which could be doubled by funding from the YMCA.

This would pay for between 10 and 12 flats or bedsits for homeless youngsters within walking distance of the city centre.

The hope is that more could be provided in partnership with other housing providers and the private sector.

The YMCA building would be sold to fund new premises to offer training, education and support.

Mr Taylor’s report adds: “The need for accommodation and support for young people still exists and, with the impact of the recession, demand for services has increased.”

In the 2008-9 financial year, 52 per cent of the 156 people who were accepted as ‘homeless’ by the city council were aged between 16 and 24.

 

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk