Official opening for Wishaw YMCA's new premises confirmed

Wishaw YMCA is set to open new premises in the town centre early next month.

The YM Committee confirmed in August it was on the lookout for new premises while its own Main Street building continues to be redeveloped.

And this week it was confirmed the YM will be taking over the former Play Music Now store in Wishaw Main Street with the official opening set for Saturday, October 9.

President John Murphy told Lanarkshire Live: “We have been working on this for the past few months so we’re pleased to get this over the line.

“We will have two rooms in the new premises with one being used as an office and another being hired out for local groups to use.

“Having a presence on the Main Street is important to us and it shows people we aren’t going away and the public can also come in and view our plans for the building.”

The YM was forced to close its doors in November 2018 after an unexpected visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue who deemed the building unsuitable for use.

Since then a fundraising drive has been launched and volunteers have been working hard to bring the building up to standard.

Among the ambitious plans put forward by the board include turning the YM’s five rooms into nine and opening the building seven days per week to allow a range of different groups and organisations to use the facility.

These would include everything from mother and toddler groups to sports clubs with the gym, a cornerstone of the YM, remaining.

The YM have also started a number of new initiatives.

These include teaming up with Wishaw Old Parish Church for Souper Tuesday’s to provide a hot meal for pensioners on the first and third Tuesdays over the past few months.

Two music events have also been organised at the Cambusnethan Club on October 29 and November 26.

The YM’s AGM has also been scheduled for October 22 at the Carrick Hall in Coltness.