Integra delivers YMCA youth hub to create vibrant new space for Derbyshire community

“The Green Youth Hub is far more than a building. It is a place where young people can discover their talents, gain practical skills, improve their wellbeing and develop confidence for the future." - Louise Curd, Director of Lifelong Learning, YMCA Derbyshire.

We’re proud to have supported the delivery of a sustainable learning and activities space that will have a positive impact on young people in Derby.

The YMCA Derbyshire Green Youth Hub, at Wilmorton Community Gardens in Derby, features study spaces, communal areas, a kitchenette, meeting rooms and outdoor areas for activities and collaboration.

The purpose-built, net zero carbon hub provides a dedicated environment for learning during the day, alongside youth activities in the evenings and at weekends, allowing young people to express themselves, develop new skills, connect with nature and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The building layout was carefully designed to encourage a strong sense of community, providing a combination of formal and informal spaces where young people can meet, learn and interact.

The Green Youth Hub, which has been designed and built to high environmental and sustainable standards, sits naturally within its social and physical surroundings, creating a welcoming and inviting centre within Wilmorton Community Gardens.

Our Managing Director, Chris Turner, said: “We’re pleased to have supported the delivery of a project which will have a significant positive impact on young people across Derby.

“The Green Youth Hub is a fantastic example of how modular construction can help to create a high-quality, sustainable space that responds to the needs of the community. Energy efficiency and low operational costs were key considerations during our planning, with the scheme designed to maximise natural light and provide a resilient, sustainable facility.

“We’re proud to have played our part in bringing the project to life and look forward to seeing the positive impact the Green Hub will have on young people, schools and the wider Derby community.”

Working alongside architects Hawkins\Brown, the adoption of modular construction methods meant the Green Youth Hub was delivered and installed with minimal disruption to the local community.

The hub has been designed as a living example of sustainability. It features solar panels, an air source heat pump, permeable landscaping and a specially designed rain garden that supports biodiversity and sustainable water management.

The Green Youth Hub will support young people across Derby aged 11–18, while also providing opportunities for young adults with specialist needs.

The space was developed in response to a clear need for increased youth provision in Derby. A recent consultation with more than 500 young people found that 94 per cent believed Derby needed more youth spaces, while 70 per cent said they would like to take part in horticulture, construction and wellbeing activities.

The hub was unveiled at a launch event attended by Catherine Atkinson MP, for Derby North, and Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, alongside partners, educators and community supporters.

Louise Curd, Director of Lifelong Learning at YMCA Derbyshire, said: “The Green Youth Hub is far more than a building. It is a place where young people can discover their talents, gain practical skills, improve their wellbeing and develop confidence for the future.

“We know that many young people learn best through hands-on experiences. This space will provide opportunities to learn by doing, whether that’s growing food, developing construction skills, taking part in outdoor activities or learning about sustainability.

“Most importantly, this project has been shaped by young people and their aspirations. We are investing in their future while creating a greener, more sustainable future for Derby.”

It is also exciting that the Green Hub will become the new Derby campus for YMCA Key College’s Practical Work Skills Alternative Provision programme.

The programme provides young people aged 14–16 with the opportunity to develop vocational and practical outdoor skills while building confidence, communication and teamwork.