YMCA hub plans are scaled back
THE costs of refurbishing the YMCA building in Pontypridd into a culture and community hub are now £2m lower than first published because the proposals have been slimmed down.
Following a question from Councillor Lyndon Walker at full council, Councillor Robert Bevan, cabinet member for enterprise development and housing, revealed the cost of the scheme would be £4.1m as opposed to the previously stated £6m.
Revised plans for the building, which dates back to 1910, were approved in January after plans had to be revised due to changes in funding and the economic climate.
The updated plans include a cafe, fitness room and studio theatre on the lower ground floor; three meeting rooms, an art studio and offices on the upper ground floor; and a cr che, hot desk area and the building’s Shelly Hall on the first floor.
Cllr Walker, who represents the Tonteg ward, said it was great to hear that the cost had gone down to £4m but asked if there would be a gym there as one of his constituents had asked him about this.
Cllr Bevan said that there would be a gym available in the Taff Vale site which will lie opposite the YMCA building.
The original plans approved in February 2016 had included a gym before the decision to scale down the proposals.
The project is being lead by the YMCA with support and funding from Welsh Government, RCT council, the Arts Council for Wales and various trusts.
Cllr Bevan said enabling work on the site has been completed including the demoliton of an annex building.
He said a project board had been established to oversee the project and that pre tender design work had been done with the council looking to appoint a contractor for the works.