The Bishop of Lichfield blessed the site of a new YMCA base in Wolverhampton which will provide a range of services and opportunities.
YMCA Black Country Group hosted the blessing and dedication service Bishop of Lichfield Michael Ipgrave at their new development site Cleveland Road.
The youth charity, which runs a variety of community services including accommodation, health and wellbeing, education and childcare provisions was also joined by award-winning design and build contractors Jessup Brothers and local church leaders from across the city.
Bishop Michael said: The YMCA is an important presence which offers hope and support to so many people throughout the Black Country and other parts of Lichfield Diocese. It is a privilege to dedicate this new site which will provide much-needed facilities for individuals and families and generate new growth and opportunities in Wolverhampton.
YMCA Black Country Group has been operating in the area for over 130 years and continues to provide support and impact the lives of the local community.
YMCA Black Country Group Chief Executive Steve Clay said: We are excited to be part of such an iconic and major gateway initiative. The Cleveland Road development will mirror our landmark YMCA Western Gateway scheme in West Bromwich. From high quality housing units to mixed use community facilities, we feel that this will have a positive impact on Wolverhamptons growth corridor and a catalyst for economic regeneration in the city.
The dedication service included a scripture reading, prayers and an act of blessing.
Jessup Brothers Chief Executive Clive Jessup said: We are delighted to be providing the land and build solution for YMCA on this mixed use scheme comprising a nursery, office, retail and residential scheme. This represents the second scheme we will deliver for YMCA. We have also provided grant from Homes England as preferred partners to the government body responsible for delivering affordable homes as part of national policy.
YMCA Black Country Group is part of a national YMCA Federation that is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world.