The restoration of the former Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) building in Albouystown is dependent on funding, Coordinator of the Restoration Committee Heston Bostwick has said.
“We are in the process of seeking funding to carry out repairs on the building. The community does not want to see this building, which is a landmark, destroyed,” Bostwick told Stabroek News in an interview.
The building, which was once used as a learning centre, has been slowly deteriorating over the years.
Bostwick explained that the committee, created by concerned residents, has roughly estimated that it would need at least $10 million to carry out repairs.
He noted that they would have to undertake works on the stairs, the roof, and the toilet facilities, among other things.
During a site visit, this newspaper observed that the boards from some parts of the walls, the stairs and windows were missing.
According to Bostwick, who is also a Councillor representing the Albouystown/Charlestown constituency on the Georgetown city council, should funding become available to carry out restoration work, there are plans to add a computer room and modern kitchen to the building.
In the past, while the building was being used, Bostwick said there was a kitchen which was used for teaching Home Economics.
Before the building became derelict, it was maintained by the YMCA at Thomas Lands. However, a few years ago it was removed from the budget of that organisation and as a result it was not maintained.
Bostwick pointed out that the committee has been trying to get President David Granger, the Ministry of Education and other agencies to contribute to the restoration fund but to date it has not received any positive word. “The committee is still working to find persons to come on board and help with the restoration. We want to keep this building in the community and make use of it…,” he stressed.