YMCA Humber Kent Street transformation progresses further

YMCA Humber has made further strides in the second phase of its transformation of sports facilities in East Marsh area of Grimsby.

It bought Kent Street skate park and adjacent disused multi-use games areas (MUGA) from North East Lincolnshire Council in 2023, working closely with the local authority. The skate park and former changing rooms were refurbished by Spring last year, the latter turned into space for a free youth club.

This month, the organisation got planning permission to extend the former changing rooms building. This will create a multi-use hall space for workshops, mentoring, and community events. There will also be improved accessibility, modern heating, lighting and electrics implemented.

“We’re really pleased to have been granted planning approval,” said YMCA Humber’s head of operations, Rob Baty. “This project is all about ensuring that the space is safe, accessible, and filled with opportunities for young people to stay active, build friendships, and develop new skills.”

As well as the future youth club building extension, since March 24, work has been ongoing to upgrade the wider sports facilities. This involves the installation of two brand-new 2G pitches with floodlights, improved fencing, and upgraded access points. The changes will expand sports opportunities, including football, netball, hockey, and futsal.

The new pitches are scheduled to be completed this summer. Football Foundation Play Zone grant funding is helping support the project.

The youth club’s expansion is to take place later in the year. YMCA Humber also have plans to refurbish the open-use tarmac MUGA, though the plans for this phase are still being finalised.

The youth club and wider Kent Street facilities are within two minutes walk of YMCA Humber’s Freeman Street building, which opened in 2021.