Charity YMCA has started work on the redevelopment of its accommodation for homeless youngsters on the fringes of the City.

Contractors began demolishing the YMCA building in Errol Street last week. In its place a new £19million building is due to open next year. The charity says it will assist 10,000 young homeless Londoners over the next 60 years.

YMCA was awarded a grant of £8.76million towards building costs from the Mayor of London, allowing it to start work on the centre providing 146 much-needed bed spaces for vulnerable young people.

The building will have en-suite bedrooms, social spaces and a fitness facility.

The charity still has to raise a further £3.5m over the next two years to ensure the new centre is built to the desired specification. It has launched an appeal, asking residents and businesses to help. People can “buy a brick” for just £10, while businesses can sponsor a room for £25,000.

The number of homeless young people in London has doubled over the last five years. Existing accommodation is in high demand.

Other organisations contributing to the development are the City of London Social Investment Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and LandAid Charitable Trust.

Further details of the plans and the fundraising appeal can be found at www.cityymca.london

• Keywords
  CHARITY, REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES, HOMELESSNESS CHARITIES
• Geographical keyword
  ERROL STREET
• Persons keyword
  Young Men's Christian Association [YMCA], City of London Social Investment Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and Land Aid Charitable Trust