Parramatta PCYC to shut by April 2024

A once-thriving PCYC with more than 5000 members has been forced to shut after 62 years in the community following a decision that hit leaders and police ‘like a bombshell’.

Parramatta PCYC president John Chedid outside the club, which has to shut by April.

Parramatta PCYC will close its doors after stunned volunteers were suddenly informed they would be homeless by April because of “untenable” financial reasons related to the lease of the CBD building.

The club has served Parramatta since 1962 and was initially at Macquarie St before shifting to Hassall St, its home for decades before the building was sold for $31m to make way for a multi-storey apartment tower meant the headquarters relocated to George St in 2016.

This week, PCYC chief executive Ben Hobby broke the news to Parramatta employees in a letter.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce closure of PCYC Parramatta after much consideration,’’ the letter read.

“This decision, though difficult, is the result of an untenable financial situation.’’

Elisha Mokofisi at the Parramatta PCYC last year.

PCYC president John Chedid was left “numb” after he said the club was constantly reassured the Parramatta branch would find a new home.

“There was always discussion about how tough it was with the rent, how expensive it was, but we were promised that that would never have any consequence on us once so we were shell-shocked,’’ the former Parramatta Lord Mayor said.

“It was like a bombshell. Our police had no idea.’’

He said the shock news broke despite a presidents’ forum this week when no information was given about the looming closure.

He said “without a doubt” demand remained strong for the PCYC at Parramatta where activities drew up to 300 youths and rising youth crime at Westfield and local schools drove more need for youth services.

“I don’t like talking about this but crime is escalating – there’s been incidents and … Westfield is in dire straits – so why’s the logic closing the PCYC down?

“How come we weren’t consulted?’’

Parramatta PCYC has provided fitness and outreach programs to youths since 1962.

A PCYC spokeswoman said the decision was “difficult yet necessary”.

“This decision was made after much consideration for community outcomes and is the result of an unsustainable financial situation for the commercial lease held for the current property,’’ she said.

“PCYC is leaving the current building, not leaving the City of Parramatta.

“Youth outcomes remain the top priority for PCYC NSW. PCYC NSW will continue its

collaboration in partnership with NSW Police and other community leaders, to offer youth

outreach, fitness and educational programs within the Parramatta area.’’

Mr Chedid, 56, started volunteering with the organisation in 2001 after joining the club in the 1980s.

“It means the world,’’ he said.

“As a youth it was a second home, it was a safe haven where you could do all the activities which our parents couldn’t afford, and to have police available as mentors, the volunteers and the trainers so I was very, very fortunate when I was a youth to have PCYC in my life.’’

Last year, the Liberals promised a $111m club next to CommBank Stadium but that dream was sidelined when it failed to win office.

An $111m PCYC for Parramatta was planned.

“We’re all devastated,’’ Mr Chedid said.

“We were so close. The previous government made that announcement. We were hoping the new government would actually honour that announcement and for some reason they just went silent on us so it’s very, very disappointing.’’

Mr Hobby said the organisation was working towards finding a long-term solution and establishing a permanent home for the club in Parramatta.

Road saftey day at Parramatta PCYC with Senior Constables Adrian Grech and Peter Borg and a highway patrol car in January 2000. Picture: John Appleyard

He said recent discussions with Premier Chris Minns had been positive.

“I would like to assure the community that youth development and engagement remain PCYC’s top priorities and appreciate your ongoing support as we navigate this challenging transition,’’ he said in the letter.

Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis said she was sympathetic about the accommodation needs, especially “given the important, life changing work the PCYC does’’.

“It is unfortunate that the PCYC took the decision to sell their Parramatta premises in 2015 for $31m and failed to reinvest this money into a new permanent location in Parramatta,’’ she said.

“I have shown my support to the PCYC and will continue to advocate to find a practical solution so this important youth service can continue in Parramatta.”

The PCYC is offering members incentives to transfer to Auburn, Fairfield or Blacktown, and gym and boxing members would receive three months of free membership to a club of their choice.