A derelict church building beside Perth Cathedral is waking up as ambitious plans for turning it into a multi- level youth hub are visibly taking shape.
The 130-year-old St Andrew’s and St Stephen’s Church on Atholl Street is undergoing a conversion over three floors into a state-of-the-art youth centre.
In Perth the former YMCA Centre at St Andrew’s and St Stephen’s Parish Church cornering Atholl Street and North William Street is being turned into a stunning new headquarters. And the young people of Perth will soon see their design input turning into reality.
The new Y-Centre will create a safe space where young people can have “somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to” that provides meaningful opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and gain accreditation.
Plans also include building four flats to support young people in the transition period from supported accommodation to holding and retaining their own tenancy.
The project is aiming to be open for a range of exciting uses at the beginning of 2024.
There is to be a shop selling sustainable products, a story-telling area in the courtyard called The Well where a historic well will be covered with a glass lid and lit up, a gym, a wellness zone, a big kitchen, quiet space and innovation technology centre.
One of the ways that local people and businesses can take a part in the development is to participate in the buy-a-brick scheme and purchase an engraved brick which will be incorporated into the building. Individuals can do this for £100 and corporate bricks cost £300. Some special bricks are made from reclaimed wood from the original church timbers.
In the coming months a time capsule will be created and buried for future young people to discover elements of life in Perth during 2023.
The building’s exterior is covered with scaffolding and the most pressing job will be to renew the roof. There was a horsehair membrane under the slates which must come out and be replaced by a modern liner.
Leaded glass panels are coming out for cleaning and restoration before being returned so much of the character of the church architecture is being retained.
Jill McGrath, CEO, YMCA Tayside, expressed her delight to see change coming at last.
“We are over the moon to have got to this stage. It feels incredible. We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel for this landmark building.
“Up until 1996 the church was our base in Perth. Over the years many options have been explored. At one point we had permission to demolish the building.
“Three years ago the first money was put forward by the Gannochy Trust. That made a huge difference to have the backing of the well-respected trust who knew our work. We realised £1.7m from the Scottish Government and a variety of trusts have come on board to make our dream a reality.
“Everyone is delighted we now have a youth centre and housing combination on the go.
“I visit the site every week and I am seeing work progressing apace. It is a hive of activity.”
Jill explained that young people from YMCA Tayside made a wish list and their ideas were taken seriously.
“They wanted a retail area, a digital suite, a drop-in space and lots of additions to promote health and wellbeing.
“This has all been incorporated into how it will be when it launches next year.”
While the building is primarily for young people’s use, there will be the opportunity to rent out spaces in the new Y-Centre and YMCA will encourage inter-generational events and the use of space by other community groups.
City South councillor Andy Chan recently visited with members of the Perth City Action Partnership.
“It was wonderful to hear about all the amazing work that YMCA Tayside does with the young people across Perth and Kinross and Dundee.
“Their derelict church in Perth city centre will be transformed into a state-of-the-art youth centre. Their ambitious plans are really taking shape,” he enthused.
“It’s brilliant to hear that the Youth Voice and YMCA’s youth ambassador group have been involved in the initial planning and interior design.
“I’m really excited to see the finished Y-Centre being full of life and being used to its full potential, which will bring life back to that end of the city centre.”
