An ambitious project to transform a derelict Perth church building into a multi-level hub for young people has received a major funding injection.
A cash boost of £250,000 will help restore and transform the vacant and historic St Andrew’s and St Stephen’s Church into a spectacular safe space.
The funding was distributed from a £2.3 million tranche provided by the UK Government Community Ownership Fund (COF) scheme.
The cash for nine projects brings the total Scottish COF investment to date to £5.2 million for 24 schemes.
The 130-year-old former place of worship is undergoing a conversion over three floors.
The former YMCA Centre on Atholl Street will become the new Y-Centre - giving young people “somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to”.
Plans also include building four flats to support young people in the transition period from supported accommodation to holding and retaining their own tenancy.
The project is aiming to be open for a range of exciting uses at the beginning of 2024.
There is to be a shop selling sustainable products, a story-telling area in the courtyard called The Well where a historic well will be covered with a glass lid and lit up, a gym, a wellness zone, a big kitchen, quiet space and innovation technology centre.
A time capsule will also be created and buried for future young people to discover elements of life in Perth during 2023.
Among the most pressing jobs for contractors is to renew the roof.
There was a horsehair membrane under the slates which must come out and be replaced by a modern liner.
Leaded glass panels are coming out for cleaning and restoration before being returned so much of the character of the church architecture is being retained.
While the building is primarily for young people’s use, there will be the opportunity to rent out spaces in the new Y-Centre .
YMCA says it will also encourage inter-generational events and the use of space by other community groups.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “I very much welcome the exciting news that the project undertaken by YMCA Tayside to convert the 130-year-old St Andrew’s and St Stephen’s Church into a multi-level youth hub has received this financial help.
“This ambitious project is great news for the city, as it will provide a safe place for young people to go.
“A place they can go to develop skills and build their confidence.
“The funding from the UK Government will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life, ensuring they continue to provide vital services, create opportunities and boost local economies.
“Once again, it shows the vital financial help given to Scotland by the UK Government.
“In total they are directly investing more than £2.4 billion in hundreds of projects across Scotland as they grow the economy and level up the country.”
