PCYC youth hub opens at Westfield Parramatta

A PCYC youth hub has debuted five months after the institution shut its doors in Parramatta, but the battle for a permanent facility the ‘community deserves’ continues. Read about the ambitious plans.

Parramatta police youth officer Kellie Redwood, NSW PCYC operations manager Jamie Owens, NSW Police Youth Command Sam Crisafulli, NSW Police youth engagement officer Alyssa Nakat and NSW Police Youth Command youth engagement officer Danny Eid at the temporary Parramatta PCYC at Westfield.

The PCYC is locked in discussions with three “major developers” to deliver a permanent club over a multi-storey block, or next to a Parramatta school that shut in April after 62 years serving the community.

At the opening of a temporary PCYC youth hub at Westfield Parramatta on Wednesday, the organisation’s NSW chief executive, Ben Hobby, said a permanent club would “100 per cent” be delivered to Parramatta for more than 5000 members.

The busy George St club was forced to shut five months ago after “untenable” financial reasons tied to the lease of the CBD building, which Mr Hobby said was the only commercial lease the organisation was paying off and the annual rent had hit “seven figures’’.

The Liberals pledged to build an $111m club next to CommBank Stadium, but that was dumped when Labor won the state election last year.

Mr Hobby did not rule out a club next to CommBank Stadium but favoured a facility next to a high school or a multi-storey building that, unlike the former Parramatta club, would house facilities for court sports and gymnastics.

PCYC NSW chief executive Ben Hobby at the Parramatta youth hub.

He said 85 per cent of PCYC youths across the state participated in those sports. He hoped netball, futsal and boxing would also run, ideally “in the heart of Parramatta”.

A greenfill site, such as the flagship Wagga Wagga club, was an option, as well as a fit-out of an existing property.

Westfield and NSW Police have established the temporary club in Aird St, next to the Fernwood Fitness gym, offering limited activities from Wednesday to Friday, when breakfast is served before fitness drills.

NSW Police youth engagement officer Danny Eid agrees that despite facilities being limited, the club’s presence in the community is welcome so youths can form friendships and get “off their phones”.

“The mums and dads are really appreciative,’’ he said.

“It’s very important for the community. These kids have to make the effort. It’s not just coming along for the ride.’

“It gives them a little bit of confidence too – a lot of them are a bit reserved.’’

Youth and police at the Westfield hub.

Along with the youth hub, the PCYC runs part-time activities out of Arthur Phillip High School in Macquarie St.

Parramatta PCYC president John Chedid welcomed the youth hub but refused to accept it as a permanent facility.

“On behalf of our members and the Parramatta community, we know now that’s not a permanent structure,’’ he said.

“We have not given up on a permanent facility that the Parramatta youth and the community deserves.’’

The PCYC Parramatta committee has accused the head office of failing to communicate with them about updates and said they were not made aware of the youth hub, which would just be “a drop-in”.

Mr Hobby vehemently denied any lack of communication or failing to work with the committee.

NSW Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood echoed support for a permanent club in Parramatta.

“We have a long history, not only with the club but the area,’’ he said.

“It’s an area that deserves to have the PCYC capabilities.’’

The PCYC has served Parramatta since 1962 and was initially in Macquarie St before shifting to Hassall St, its home for decades before the building was sold for $31m to make way for an apartment tower.

The sale meant the headquarters relocated to George St in 2016.

In February shocked members learned of the news via a letter from Mr Hobby, who said, “with a heavy heart”, the club would close.

Originally published as PCYC youth hub opens at Westfield Parramatta