Y.M.C.A. Hopes To Treble Members

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31330, 29 March 1967, Page 12

Y.M.C.A. Hopes To Treble Members

The Young Men’s Christian Association expected that its present membership of 1500 would treble soon after the opening of its new recreation and gymnasium building in Hereford street, the secretary, Mr R. J. O’Kane, said yesterday.

Builders were trying to have some of the rooms completed by April 7, the association would move into the building on the next Monday, and it was hoped to have some activities begun then, with all under way within three weeks, Mr O’Kane said. The new building was of 28,000 square feet and provided a great deal more space for activities than the old Y.M.C.A. centre which included only a gymnasium and an inadequate youth centre, he said.

Among facilities provided will be three squash rackets courts, a 90ft by 50ft gymnasium, a sauna bath, fitness centre, massage and first aid rooms, a large public cafeteria, a teen-age room, a board room and administrative offices. One of the newest Y.M.C.A. projects completed in New Zealand, the Christchurch centre will be comparable to

the centre in Auckland which is the biggest in the country.

Several activities—including use of the gymnasium, squash courts, fitness centre and sauna bath—would be available to the public at small charges, and not confined only to Y.M.CA. members, Mr O’Kane said An invitation has been extended to parents of Y.M.C.A. members to inspect the building between April 10 and 15. Inquiries from all people interested in taking part in any of the activities are welcome. All activities should have begun by the end of next month. It is hoped that the centre will be opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) next month or in May.

The new building was designed by the Christchurch architects, Griffiths, Moffat and Partners, and is constructed of concrete block. The estimated cost including equipment is £120,000.