A towering 24-storey building could be built in Wimbledon as part of plans to redevelop the YMCA.

The Wimbledon Guardian has seen documents proposing a variety of designs for the centre on the Broadway which includes a 24-storey building surrounded by smaller high rise blocks, as well as an option for a smaller 14-storey building.

Currently the building stands at seven storeys.

Should plans for the 24-storey skyscraper progress, it would dwarf any other building in Merton.

It would be seven storeys taller than the Brown and Root tower in Colliers Wood and 10 storeys taller than the Morden Civic centre.

Wimbledon’s YMCA has been working on its strategic plan to redevelop its building on the Broadway in Wimbledon since 2010 which includes a commitment to build a brand new YMCA building, 100 hostel units, provide better training facilities, a larger health facility, a public plaza with green space and a cafe.

YMCA is expected to announce the proposals for the site at the Future Wimbledon conference tomorrow which will be attended by renowned architect Lord Richard Rodgers whose firm, Rogers, Stirk Harbour and Partners, is designing the building.

The Italian-born architect's previous buildings include Heathrow’s terminal five, the Pompidou centre in Paris and the Millennium Dome.

A spokesperson for the YMCA said: "The architects and development partners are preparing a proposal for Wimbledon YMCA and are considering a number of design options based on viability.

"This is an enabling development which will secure the long term future of the YMCA in Wimbledon, and the services it provides for local residents and the wider community.

"A public exhibition will be held in October and we will be inviting local residents and businesses to view our proposals and give feedback."

 

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