Gloucester YMCA could make way for a new social housing complex and community centre.
 
Last month, The Citizen reported that a lack of income would force the Kingsholm branch of the youth focused organization to close at the end of May 2006.
 
But board members are adamant that it will not mean the end of the YMCA in Gloucester and have already begun planning for its future after closure.
 
"The board looks at this as a temporary setback" said Ashley Wirdnam, a board member of Gloucester YMCA.
 
"We hope to re- develop the site for social housing for homeless young people and build another community centre. We are working in conjunction with the YMCA of England to develop that. We want to re- negotiate a new 100 year lease and work in conjunction with the City and County Councils to re-develop the site. We would build the houses in conjunction with the City Council and Housing Association. We're looking specifically at housing for homeless young people, a specific need that ties in with the aims and objectives of the YMCA."
 
No firm plans for the re-development have been drawn up and Mr. Wirdnam conceded that it would take a lot of hard work to get the project up and running.
 
An official statement from the branch last month said the reason for the closure of the Sebert St. Headquarters, purpose built in 1966, was that income generated by the organizations activities was not enough to sustain the building.
 
It has left the club and groups which use the centre searching for a new home.
 
One of those is the Gloucester Electric Racing Car Club, of which Mr. Wirdnam is the Secretary and Treasurer.
 
It initially plans to move to the Colwell Centre, in Derby Rd., but the future of that venue is also in doubt, so the move can only ever be viewed as temporary.
 
Club Chairman, Tony Edwards said finding a new home with a large space, stage and storage space was essential.
 
"The Club is desperate to find a large hall, factory space or sports hall with car parking for a Friday night," he said. " We have over sixty members and usually forty five race on Fridays."
 
Anyone who can help the Club out with a suggestion for a venue should call the YMCA on 01452 522588.
YMCA SEBERT STREET