Young people at Leicester's YMCA will help build their own homes

Young people at the YMCA are being given the opportunity to get involved in the construction of their future homes.

A £4m project to refurbish the hostel, in East Street, Leicester, will start in the new year.

The work will include improving the bedsits and corridors and the creation of 10 one-bed studio flats, six four-bed flats and two six-bed flats.

It also aims to give people who live there a helping hand into work by encouraging them to get involved with the construction.

Paul Brown, chief executive of Leicester YMCA, said: "It's about young people building their own homes and giving them a sense of ownership when it comes to the centre.

"It's also about improving the centre.

"We are committed to ensuring our accommodation does not carry the traditional stigma of poor "hostel" provision and, as such, this investment will enable us to create supported housing for the future.

"Our vision is to create high-quality facilities for young people who are at risk of homelessness and at the same time provide them with the skills and support they need to live independently."

The work is being carried out in two phases. Demolition of the interior will take place from January to April.

Construction of new facilities will take from April until August.

During the next few weeks, eight of the centre's residents will be selected by staff at the YMCA to attend interviews with the contractors.

The contractors will employ four people to work alongside their builders for the duration of the project.

During the demolition phase they will be stripping the inside of the building in preparation for the refurbishment.

Once the centre is ready for phase two, the workers will be involved in most aspects of the development, including fitting kitchens, constructing the bedrooms and painting and decorating.

Lisa Rowley, 23, is staying at the centre after having problems with alcohol.

She said: "When they do this place up it will feel more like you've got your own place and you'll feel more independent.

"When you have your own flat and you haven't got anywhere to turn, that could put you on a downer.

"Here it's good because I have someone to talk to, so problems don't build up. I'm getting used to being here and making friends."

The development will house 46 young people. Then YMCA has 38 spaces at other sites.

The charity will continue to offer housing and support for existing residents at rented locations in the city while the building work is carried out.

In June, Leicester YMCA, in partnership with Leicester City Council, was awarded £2.6m by the Department for Children, Schools and Families towards the £4m project.

Further funding has been secured from the Homes and Communities Agency.