Y.M.C.A. Hostel Moving After 82 Years

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31221, 19 November 1966, Page 16

Y.M.C.A. Hostel Moving After 82 Years

The Christchurch Young Men’s Christian Association will move today from the building it has occupied in Cambridge terrace for 82 years, to the former Anglican theological and residential hall, Christchurch College, on the corner of Rolleston avenue and Cashel street.

The college buildings, which have been extensively renovated at a cost of about £ll,OOO, will provide accommodation for 71 boys, compared with 48 in the old hostel. The general secretary (Mr R. J. O’Kane) said yesterday that the association’s new programme block in Hereford street would probably be finished in February and opened in March. The Y.M.C-A. was established in Christchurch in 1862. Before the Cambridge terrace building was opened in 1884 the association rented premises some of which were in Cathedral square. The first building cost £2196 and included a gymnasium, a concert chamber, a large meeting room and a

cafeteria. The gymnasium was one of the first in Christchurch.

The second building, which cost £17,000, was opened in 1908. It included a hostel and youth administration offices. The total area of the two buildings is 37,000 square feet.

Mr O’Kane said that no alterations had been made to the first building, but in 1957 substantial changes were made to the hostel, diningroom and kitchen. Since the Y.M.C.A. was established the membership has risen from about 170 members to about 2500. A branch has been developed at Bryndwr, and a camp site of 24 acres has been established at Wainui.