Wishaw tradesmen wanted to help restore one of town's famous old buildings
Wishaw tradesmen and builders are wanted to help restore one of the town's famous old buildings to its former glory.
Members of Wishaw YMCA are asking for the community's help to restore the old YM building in the town's Main Street.
The YM was forced to close its doors in November 2018 after an unexpected visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue who deemed the building unsuitable.
Before then it was a hub of the community for decades and now the current YMCA committee hope to restore the building.
In a lengthy social media post, Wishaw YMCA state: 'The old Wishaw YMCA building has stood closed for too long. Once a hub of opportunity, connection, and support, it's now a space the community can't use — just when we need it most.
'For the past few years, we've explored every avenue to restore and renovate the building. Over the past 18 months, our hope was that a phased development would attract funding and allow us to gradually bring it back to life.
'But the reality has been harder than we imagined.
'The financial climate has shifted. Capital funding is increasingly limited. And yet — the need for accessible, neutral community space is greater than ever.
'So here's our new approach. We're putting full-scale renovation aside for now. Instead, we're focusing on what's achievable right now.
'That is making the building safe in its current layout; adding accessibility improvements like ramps and a compliant toilet and developing a plan that meets Building Standards and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service requirements.
'To do that, we're inviting local builders, tradespeople, contractors, and suppliers to join us in shaping a realistic, collaborative plan for getting the doors open.
'We're not asking for commitments — we're starting with a conversation. We want your ideas, your knowledge, and your support in helping us take practical next steps.
'Wishaw YMCA has always believed in serving the community, and this building is part of that promise. It was gifted to us by the town — and we feel a deep responsibility to bring it back into use.
'But we also know this won't succeed unless the community is part of the journey.'
The YM will be hosting a builder and trades planning session at the group's current base in Quarry Street on Saturday, June 8.
The YMCA added: 'We believe this building has a future — but only if it's shaped by those who will use it, support it, and take pride in it.
'We envision a space where youth programs can thrive; people can gather, learn, and grow; where local organisations can deliver services and the town can once again take ownership of this shared space.
'Your input can help us make smart decisions that move us forward. Whether you have time, experience, materials, or ideas to share — your voice matters.
'Let's figure out what's possible, and build something for Wishaw.'
The YM has a range of activities taking place at its current base including its well-established esports academy, camera club and WYTV which gives youngsters the chance to become content creators.
However, Wishaw YM chair Mary Jean Ferguson is keen to continue the momentum the group has built up over the past few years.
She said: 'Any help or advice we can get from local builders will really help us moving forward.
'It's not just about the YMCA it's about the whole town. The YM building was gifted to us by the community and I think we have a duty to get it back open and give it back to the community.'
You can join the builder and trades planning session at the YMCA base in Quarry Street, on June 8 starting at 3pm.
If you would like more information then email info@wishawymca.org or find out more at the Wishaw YMCA Facebook page.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
23-07-2025
- BBC News
Plan to create supported living facility in Scarborough approved
Plans to convert a large residential house into supported living accommodation have been given the application by Homemore Stay to create eight self-contained units at 30 Trinity Road was approved by North Yorkshire building previously contained a seven-bed house in multiple occupation, alongside three self-contained state the development would be managed by "on-site staff" between 08:00 and 18:00 seven days a week, with CCTV and on-call security outside of these times. Planning officers said the measures were considered to be "an appropriate level of management to serve the proposed facilities".The authority said a communal and training room, included as part of the scheme, would be delivered by registered charity, YMCA North to the Local Democracy Reporting Service an initial scheme had proposed converting the property into 11 units which were "significantly smaller than the nationally described space standards".However, documents showed room sizes in the amended scheme would meet the necessary criteria. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- BBC News
Views sought on plans for key gateway into Wolverhampton
Residents are being asked for their thoughts on design ideas for an "active travel corridor" into Wolverhampton city city council is working on early options to improve walking and cycling facilities on Cleveland Road, and connectivity across the ring route joins the city centre to the recently regenerated Royal Quarter, where hundreds of homes have been drop-in sessions showcasing the plans for the road will be on display on Monday at the Urban Room, Queen Square and Wednesday at the YMCA, Cleveland Road. People will be able to use virtual reality headsets to "walk through" the options, said the council, with the illustrative designs also made available on its website.A thriving new neighbourhood had been created in the Royal Quarter, with hundreds of homes delivered and the Royal Hospital building brought back into use, said councillor Qaiser Azeem."It is now important we hear from the community about what they think Cleveland Road can best serve them as a key gateway to the city centre," stated the cabinet member for project team are at the Urban Room between 11:00 and 15:00 BST on Monday and at the YMCA, Cleveland Road, on 23 July between 12:00 and 16:00. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Daily Record
Members delighted with Ayr Model Boat Club's open day success
The five-hour event was a showcase and allowed the public to talk to members and find out more about the club and its activities. Members of the public were given permission to come aboard when Ayr Model Boat Club held its annual 'Open Day' sail at Newton Park Pond. And among the interested ranks were some serious figures from the maritime world. The five-hour event was a showcase and allowed the public to talk to members and find out more about the club and its activities. And Kenneth Ireland, club secretary, was delighted with the turnout. He said: 'Our Open Day was a success and we had a good turnout from interested/curious members of the public. 'And the Captain of Calmac vessel Glen Sannox was one of our visitors who I met and spoke to at length. He's possibly a future member!' Kenneth, who has previously built a WW2 destroyer and a Clyde-based firefighting tug boat, said: 'We're at the pond on Wednesdays and Sundays from around 1pm to 3.30pm depending on the weather. And we have our own wee clubhouse where we meet up, so people are welcome to come along.' Ayr has a long history of having a model boat club. Ayr Model Yacht Sailing and Power Club was formed on March 8, 1910 at a public meeting held in the YMCA rooms, High Street, Ayr. However, little is known of the history of the AMYC after 1937. Interests vary from electric powered vessels to steam-powered craft and yachts, and the size of the models varies from tiny to enormous, with most being around 600-1000mm in length. At the moment the club is in the process of updating its website and a social media page will be set up later in the year. In the meantime, to find out more go to or telephone Kenneth on 07730 890128.
