Plans for a centre featuring a play area, gardens, a recording studio and therapy rooms for vulnerable children in York have been withdrawn.
The Island, a York-based charity providing mentoring to children and young people aged 8 to 18, obtained planning permission for the building in late 2024.
It was due to be built on land off New Lane in Huntington.
At the time, the charity said it would offer state-of-the-art facilities to help young people realise their potential following a decline in youth clubs and other services in recent years.
With the costs of the project increasing, and demands for The Island’s services also going up, the charity has reviewed its strategy.
As a result, it has taken the decision to cancel the new HQ.
“The economic environment has changed for everyone in the last six years, from when the project was initially envisaged, and in the five years since the land was initially purchased,” said Paul Devlin, interim chief executive officer.
“Costs have increased to more than £12.5m for the building and running costs of £2.5m a year, which is a lot of cost for our city, and for a small local charity to build and run – there are only ten of us, mostly part-time.
“The project would be a major distraction from our core purpose, which is to provide support to children and young people in very difficult times. On that basis we have chosen not to take the project further, although the option for another organisation to do so is there.”
The Island vacated its previous premises on Shipton Road three years ago. But not having a central base wasn’t damaging its core purpose Mr Devlin said.
“Our young people are mentored by volunteers through activities in the community, not at a centralised location.
“We meet with young people where they are comfortable and not needing to travel. This is what makes our mentoring so special – each mentoring experience is focused on the individual needs of the child or young person, supported by a trained volunteer mentor.
“The reality is we have operated out of a Portakabin on the edge of a field with a caravan as a meeting room for the last three years and this has not impeded our ability to deliver.”
The New Lane site was purchased through a very generous grant from a donor. Now the land will be sold and the grant repaid unless an alternative operator comes forward.
Since 2007, The Island’s team of volunteer mentors has supported more than 3,000 young people, helping them to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
“The biggest challenge we face is that of funding,” Mr Devlin said. The more funds we can generate, the more young people we can help. In the city of York, one in six children and young people do not have a single trusted adult they can turn to – that’s more than 3,500 in our city alone.
“The young people referred to us often face things no child should have to cope with alone – family breakdown, trauma, anxiety, exclusion from school, caring responsibilities, or they are feeling completely isolated.
“Our mentors provide young people with someone to help overcome these challenges and at the same time not be overwhelmed by them.”
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, find out more here.
