Forest YMCA have great pleasure in announcing their new studios in the ‘Clockworks’ YMCA building at 656 Forest Road, Walthamstow.
This is good news for Forest YMCA and local young people.

There are 50 residential units, a number of which are extremely interesting shapes.

The scheme was a co-operation between LVE and Forest YMCA (established in 1970). All involved are very happy with the outcome of this great idea which is a simple strategy and fulfils a real need for young people. It is a practical answer for a number of young people ranging from university graduates to young people who are in difficulties or who are isolated from their families.
We are indebted to Lee Valley Estates for their vision in bringing this project to realisation and are particularly pleased with the design and its potential to assist those who are disadvantaged at a vulnerable age.

The accommodation has all the right elements to give its inhabitants much needed freedom but also security and protection, everything they need to help them on the right path.

Keith Drew, Chief Executive of Forest YMCA stated that:
“Clockworks offers a unique opportunity for Forest YMCA to provide semi-independent, semi-supported accommodation for residents who ‘graduate’ from our reception service.
Our reception service is the largest direct access hostel in the UK providing immediate relief for young people… …a platform for those who are genuine in their desire to engage and work with us in helping themselves. With regard to the above, we believe that Clockworks gives great expression to that graduation and in this respect we believe that Clockworks is a very important bridge between dependent and fully independent living. It is our view that Clockworks can, and must play an important part in breaking the cycle of deprivation and poverty of those who seek help from us, particularly by easing residents back in to society in a manner whereby they are fully equipped to succeed. A year of semi-independent, semi-supported living can contribute greatly to this end”.

Terry Chimes, Chairman of Forest YMCA said:
“On behalf of the board of Forest YMCA I congratulate the star team and the partner organisations on a fantastic job well done. The board remains committed to making life better and better for the young people in our community. And whilst this is a great milestone, watch this space because there is plenty more to come.”

Mark Hayes, Chief Executive of CAHA said:
“Clockworks is an example of how lateral thinking can bring together different partners to deliver much needed housing in London. An old building has been given a new lease of life and provides excellent accommodation for YMCA’s residents. We were pleased to help bring this about by acting as development agent and helping to secure funding for the project”.

Martin Jewell of CGD Ltd,
Martin who managed the construction of Clockworks said “Chase Green Developments were delighted to be part of this innovative project. We obtained the planning permission, all other necessary consents and delivered the conversion and extension of this redundant factory building within budget. We hope this will be a model for other projects across London to assist young people into independent living”.

LVE Chairman Michael Polledri stated:
“How delighted we are “that this long held wish of ours has finally come to fruition. Without the support of my team, particularly those quoted above, it would not have happened. Special thanks goes to the police and the planning department at Waltham Forest who dealt with some of the very challenging issues with such sensitivity and flexibility”.