Following the shock closure of its Parramatta branch earlier this year, PCYC has opened a temporary youth hub as it promises to continue the search for a permanent club home.
The PCYC youth hub officially opened at Westfield Parramatta last week, with the charity saying the new location will offer its core mission programs and more to empower and support the local youth community.
It comes after the much-loved Parramatta PCYC facility in George Street was forced to shut its doors in April due to financial reasons.
The surprise closure led to backlash from the community, with almost 800 residents signing a petition calling for the gym to remain open.
In response, the PCYC said it has been actively working in the background to reestablish its presence in the community through the Westfield Parramatta youth hub.
“PCYC Parramatta is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for young people and is eager to continue its mission in this new location,” the charity said.
“However, we are still on the lookout for a new permanent club home and look to the community for any opportunities that may present.”
The youth hub is currently offering its Fit for Life program this term but is set to expand in term four with the introduction of the Fit for Work program.
PCYC said it will continue to work closely with the NSW Police to roll out additional community-focused programs, ensuring that youth outcomes remain a central focus.
CEO of PCYC NSW Ben Hobby said the reopening of the PCYC Parramatta youth hub at Westfield Parramatta shows the organisation’s unwavering commitment to the community.
“Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we are more resolute than ever to provide a safe and empowering environment for our youth,” he said.
“This new space will allow us to continue delivering our mission programs that make a real difference in the lives of young people.
“We are so grateful to Westfield for giving us the opportunity to use this space. This marks an exciting new chapter for PCYC NSW, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and exploring the opportunities available at the new youth hub.”
The PCYC has operated in Parramatta since 1962. Originally located at Macquarie Street, the club later moved to Hassall Street, where it sat for decades before it was sold for $31 million to make way for a multi-storey tower.
It led to the headquarters again relocating, this time to George Street in 2016.
To find out more about the Parramatta youth hub, go to http://www.pcycnsw.org.au/parramatta.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.