The new-look South London YMCA (SLYMCA) will replace the existing 1960s building with a brand new, modern development to be known as ‘Alexandra House’ - a revival of the building’s historical name.
Following extensive local consultation including a major resettlement programme for previous tenants, planning consent was granted for a 10-story building providing temporary living accommodation for up to 80 people in a mixture of studios and two person shared flats, as well as offices and community support services.
Due for completion March 2012, the provision will make a significant contribution to Croydon Council’s Housing Strategy, as SLYMCA Chief Executive explains;
“We would like to thank our partners in Croydon Council for their extensive support over recent years allowing us to reach this significant milestone. We are fully committed to working to improve the lives of vulnerable people in the borough, and we are looking forward to seeing this major project through to a successful completion. The new facilities at Alexandra House will provide the step change in quality of accommodation our vulnerable residents need and deserve.”
Architects from Stride Treglown’s London office will be working to ensure the new development will be of the highest standards in construction and design as well as setting a new benchmark for SLYMCA’s environmental target of BREAAM Excellent. The hybrid scheme will predominantly be built using volumetric apartment units stacked vertically to create the structural mass of the building sitting above a concrete podium level at the second floor.
Architectural Associate Marco Oliveira commented; “We are delighted to be appointed as the architects on such a significant project for SLYMCA in Croydon and look forward to delivering a highly sustainable, thoughtful building that will be enjoyed by its residents for years to come.
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