Building work on 60 flats in central Derby, specifically designed for young people in employment, education and training, has begun.
The project was initiated following on from an extensive piece of work through the YMCA movement which looked at the housing market from a young person’s perspective.
The research found that young people entering work or on low wages faced considerable barriers to accessing the housing market.
Affordable and social housing is in short supply and the private sector requires references, deposits and rent in advance making this sort of housing beyond the reach of the young people.
As a result, YMCA Derbyshire in partnership with Nottingham Community Housing Association and Blueskies consortium, have planned and are beginning build on these 60 transformational flats.
Fran Cropper, development and new business manager at Pelham (on behalf of the Blueskies Consortium), says: “We are delighted to see works commence at Cotton Lane. We have experience of working with clients to inject new high quality housing schemes on derelict sites which will bring a new lease of life to the area.
“Our design has been driven by the needs and requirements of the young people who will live and thrive in these new homes. The flats will be energy efficient to reduce fuel poverty and utilise green energy to help reduce running costs. Our specialist architects and development team will be working very closely with YMCA Derbyshire to bring this plan to life.”
Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive at YMCA Derbyshire, says: “This project has been four years in the making and we are so pleased that thanks to support from our partners, Derby City Council and Derby Homes we’ll be able to provide this offering to young people in Derby. It’s so important that we invest in the youth of our city as they become the future leaders of our businesses and our communities.
“Our services over the last 12 months have enabled 52 young people to gain employment, 41 to secure a volunteering role, 61 to enter education, 7 to get to university and 59 to attend training courses. We aim to support even more young people to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential with this project.”
Tony Walker CBE DL, YMCA Derbyshire’s chair of the Capital Development Committee and trustee, says: “The start of construction of these 60 flats is a significant milestone for YMCA Derbyshire.
“The build will strengthen the YMCA’s ability to support young people who have had a difficult start in life become independent and to live self-reliant lives. It was such a joy to be present at the ground-breaking.”
The location of the scheme has been influenced by its proximity to some of Derby’s largest employers – those who provide apprenticeships for young people. The area also has fantastic public transport links for education and work purposes.
Construction is due to be finished in September 2024.
