Paisley's famous YMCA building for sale

Jan 20 2009 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY’S famous YMCA building is being axed after 100 years of service to the town.

A cash crisis has forced bosses at the Young Men’s Christian Association to pull the plug on their base in New Street.

The historic building is expected to be sold off to developers.

John McMurray has quit as YMCA General Secretary in Paisley to take up a new post with Highland Council and six workers are being made redundant.

The iconic building – which sits in the heart of the town and was opened in 1908 – will shut its doors for the final time on Tuesday, March 31.

And a number of groups which currently meet at the YMCA base will be forced to look for an alternative venue.

Parents have been left stunned by the closure plans and said the loss of the YMCA building is a “major blow” for Paisley.

One dad, who asked not to be named, said: “My son has enjoyed various activities at the Paisley YMCA over the years and we’ll both be very sad to see it go.

“That place has done a great job in keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble. It’s such a shame that it’s closing down.”

Another parent added: “I was shocked when I found out the place is closing down.

“It’s been there for more than 100 years and generations of Buddies have benefited from what it’s had to offer.”

Mr McMurray said that financial difficulties, dwindling numbers and a new approach to community work have all contributed to the decision to close the YMCA base.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: “In recognition of this change of emphasis, we have taken the brave step to focus our efforts on working with local young people where they are – on the streets.

“Consequently, we have decided to close the facilities at 5 New Street.

“Another significant factor in this decision was reported earlier in the Paisley Daily Express, which referred to a marked reduction in the use of the facilities, with the consequential loss of income over several years.

“In addition, the continually rising running costs, despite best efforts to contain them, led to the inevitable decision that the association could no longer subsidise the building.

“The closure of this historic and iconic building, which has served the town of Paisley and its wider environment very well across the last century, will be a great sadness for those who have enjoyed the wide variety of services and facilities for which it has provided a home since 1908.”

However, Mr McMurray stressed that the closure will not mark the end for the YMCA in Paisley.

He said: “The premises will close on March 31 but the work and mission of Paisley YMCA will continue to ensure ongoing service to young people in Renfrewshire for the next two centuries.

“We are confident that the provision of real service will grow and, as such, what could be seen as a bitter pill is worth taking.

“In recent years, our focus with young people has moved from the premises in New Street to where young people are likely to gather – the streets.

“We have become Renfrewshire’s main deliverer of youth services on the streets through detached youth work.

“Even more recently, we have begun to use the Renfrewshire Youth Bus to provide weekly, evening services for young people in four different communities.”

The YMCA will also continue to offer services through its drop-in centre in Canal Lane, Renfrew.

Mr McMurray leaves his post at the YMCA after 12 years of service to the people of Paisley, with youth and community work manager Mark Drummond taking over.

Six members of staff, mainly in administrative and janitorial posts, are being made redundant when the doors close at the New Street base.

Mr McMurray added: “The members of the association wish to publicly record their thanks to all the staff across the past 100 years for all their hard work and, in particular, to the 19 staff currently employed by the association.”