Challenge:
Stem were tasked with providing a design for the refurbishment and extension for the St Giles Community Centre on behalf of the YMCA. The centre historically provided indoor sport and community facilities through the council. The YMCA acquired this and planned to rejuvenate the building to help children and young people and provide them with opportunities to build social connections through sports and a community growing garden. Additionally, the YMCA wanted a new entrance lobby and a striking façade that incorporates the YMCA brand colours.
Solution:
The external façade includes pop out elements alongside the new extension and glazing in between help to create depth and contrast in the current unappealing front elevation. These proposals will further be bolstered by the landscaping proposals including a new community growing garden and outdoor social space which will aid in bedding the existing building into its surrounding, utilising unused outdoor space and creating a less sterile atmosphere on the site. The extension to the building provides add an additional 30 square metres over two floors, predominantly providing a new entrance lobby with lift access from the ground to first floor.
Conclusion:
The aim of Stem’s proposals for the alterations and extension to the existing St. Giles Community Centre will resulted in the retention of an existing community asset, and maintain the building for use by the local community for the foreseeable future. The bold and vibrant façade provides a flagship building for the YMCA. The addition of the new lift and feature windows provides increased accessibility and improves the internal spaces to promote positive mental health. The £2.4m refurbishment has provided facilities for the vulnerable within the locality, particularly children and young adults, with further options to expand the facilities in the future.
