THE GREEN light has been given for the major transformation of YMCA Bournemouth’s town centre base and accommodation.

Plans were submitted to BCP Council for the redevelopment of Delta House in Westover Road.

The project includes a complete refurbishment and repurposing of the site to provide supported homes, staff facilities, a public gym and café.

A replacement frontage facing Westover Road is part of the plans, with the building fronting Hinton Road flattened to allow a six-storey extension to be built.

The existing temporary accommodation entrance will move to Hinton Road and there will be two additional storeys on the Westover Road side of the building.

The application was approved by BCP Council planning officers under delegated powers.

Bournemouth Echo:

Gareth Sherwood, chief executive of YMCA Bournemouth, said: “I’m delighted that our plans have been approved.

“Delta House has helped tens of thousands of people in Dorset for nearly a century, providing warm, safe temporary homes and a range of support services to those in need.

“We want to continue its legacy by improving the quality and capacity of our accommodation and facilities to benefit more people.

"At the same time, we’ll retain the building’s existing character through a sympathetic enhancement of its historical features.”

YMCA Bournemouth is aiming to begin construction on Delta House in 2024, with a staged development to ensure minimal disruption to the ongoing work the organisation does.

Bournemouth Echo:

Once complete, the premises will feature 108 ensuite rooms split over 13 clusters flats with shared cooking facilities and nine studio flats.

The YMCA has supported people in Bournemouth for more than 100 years, with the current building being its base since 1931.

Mr Sherwood added: “All our different services contribute to our wider operations at YMCA Bournemouth. For example, membership fees for The Junction Leisure Centre in Broadstone help us run other services, such as our youth and children’s work.

“The approval of our plans for Delta House marks another milestone moment for YMCA Bournemouth, as we celebrate record success across our portfolio. The fabulous Junction Leisure Centre hit its highest ever level of adult memberships in March 2023.

“Our current strong position means we can continue identifying new opportunities to grow and serve the Dorset community.

“I am hugely grateful to everyone who has helped us get to this thriving stage in our charity’s history.

"We have been able to achieve great things so far thanks to our community’s support, and Delta House’s reinvigoration is another exciting step in our growth journey.”