This week, this paper is shining a light on a site with more than 50 years of history, YMCA Romford, as major changes could see it refurbished.
Located in Rush Green Road, the YMCA Romford has stood tall since 1969.
The ground upon which it was built was left to the charity by Thomas England, who the YMCA remembers as a “leading player” in its early days.
Work on the site got underway in 1964, with the £460,000 project completing in the late 1960s; the result of which was a 148-bed hostel.
According to the YMCA, it was originally occupied by young people who worked locally, particularly by Ford Motor Company apprentices, and by students.
The launch of the facility was marked with an opening led by the late Duchess of Kent, Katherine, in July 1969.
A photo taken in 1984 captured the building and its surroundings, showing surrounding green and public space prior to later development.
The YMCA Romford block is easily identifiable thanks to its 11-storey height and a colourful sign.
Havering Libraries remembers the venue as “dominating the skyline” during this period, surrounded by Carries Hall, Kings Portable Buildings Ltd, Abanhams Car Welding, and Salian Building Supplies.
The site could now see a “comprehensive regeneration” with upgrades to its housing and fitness facilities.
The YMCA has engaged in a pre-application consultation to discuss its proposal for the wider refurbishment of the Rush Green branch.
A major feature of the proposal is the prospective development of a new, six-storey block to provide 184 supported accommodation units with shared living, dining and kitchen areas.
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This could also include an on-site laundry room, with a studio space for both residents and members of the public could be among the flexible uses for the ground floor space.
Upgrades to its existing building would follow the construction of the new building, with discussions having been had about seeing current residents move to the six-storey development to allow for the tower’s refurbishment.
It is expected that a formal planning application will be submitted in early 2026, according to the YMCA website.
