YMCA-run youth centre in Lincoln to open after £2.4million investment

A new youth centre will soon open, nearly a decade after the previous one burned down.

A former council building on Swift Gardens in Lincoln’s St Giles estate will become a YMCA Lincolnshire-run facility, thanks to £2.4million of government funding.

St Giles’ former youth centre was destroyed in an arson attack in 2016, leaving a lack of activities for young people.

The team have just received the keys to the newly renovated building and hope to bring the community together in an area where there is little for youngsters to do.

It will offer specialist activities such as parkour and wheelchair basketball, and the building is equipped with rooms for games, crafts, and drama.

Youth services manager Leo Copsey said: “This area of Lincoln has been underinvested in for years. It’s an estate with issues, particularly a lack of proper youth activities.

“But young people aren’t worse here than anywhere else—they’re just bored and have time on their hands.

“Young people had a hand in choosing everything in the new building, from the floors to the ceiling. That investment will keep it safe and generate a sense of pride.”

The centre will initially be aimed at 11 to 17-year-olds, although Leo says the team are keen to expand this in the future.

The building was previously a sporadically used community centre from the 1970s, owned by City of Lincoln Council.

After YMCA Lincolnshire secured £2.4million from the Youth Investment Fund, the council transferred ownership of the property.

Youth workers have been building links with the community to ensure the new centre is properly utilised while the renovation has been ongoing.

Leo said: “This building is open to absolutely everyone—whether it’s kids who want somewhere to go after school, those who sometimes get in trouble, or anyone with special educational needs or disabilities.

“We want to unite younger generations, not create divides.”

The timetable will include after-school drop-in clubs and structured sessions throughout the week.

Immersive performances by Taylor Made Arts to celebrate the opening will take place from March 10 to 12.

The full opening will take place over the next few months.