Work to start on Upton Community Scheme in Northampton

Work has started on a new scheme to provide disadvantaged young people with housing support, training and advice.

Builders moved into the site in Northampton this week after West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) pledged funding to upgrade Upton Lodge Farm House.

WNDC has pledged £214,000 of Growth Area Funding and the HCA, owners of the building and surrounding land, has contributed £218,00, as well as a dedicated project manager to ensure successful delivery of the development.

Led by the YMCA, the scheme will provide disadvantaged young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead successful lives.

Local young people will be directly involved in the renovation of the building, receiving practical training in a range of trades including carpentry, surveying and plumbing. Once complete, the facility will provide a centre for construction skills training in association with WNDC’s groundbreaking Construction Futures training scheme.

Northamptonshire YMCA chief executive officer Peter Storey said: "Northamptonshire YMCA has been helping disadvantaged young people for many years to build a better future for themselves.

"We are excited to be involved in a project that will train many young people in valuable construction skills, helping to gain employment and a secure future for themselves."

Deputy Chief Executive of WNDC Roger Mendonca said: "The growth of Northampton goes well beyond new jobs and housing. It’s all about improving the quality of life for all local people.

"We’re sure that Upton Lodge Farm will make an important contribution to that process for many years to come and we’re delighted to support this project which offers disadvantaged young people a fresh start in life and we’re sure."

Anthony Sowden, Northamptonshire Team Leader for the HCA, said: "We’re pleased to see work start on site on what will be an important facility for the existing and new residents at Upton Lodge. This scheme demonstrates the HCA’s commitment to creating thriving communities by improving the physical and social environment of places."

The southern section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road, completed by HCA in October 2009, has opened up the Upton Lodge area for development, including plans for 1,700 new homes and significant commercial development, mostly on HCA owned land. Following renovation, Upton Lodge Farm will be the centrepiece of community facilities for both the existing and future residents of the area.