YMCA Building

A place for recreation and companionship

The Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in 1844 in London to improve the living conditions for young working men, many of whom were living on the streets. The Leicester Association began with premises in Market Place in 1883 but it soon became clear that

“these premises were inadequate for the increasing number of young men employed in business houses in Leicester. Attractive facilities had to be made to counteract the temptations of life in a large town presented to men living away from home, with very few suitable places in which to spend their leisure hours, obtain recreation and form companionships”.

Work began on new premises on London Road in 1899. The architect, YMCA president Alderman Albert Sawday, became Mayor of Leicester in 1903. The main building had shops beneath and contained a hostel, gymnasium and billiard room.

The YMCA and the Great War

During World War I over one million service men benefitted from the refreshments, beds, entertainment and activities provided by the Leicester YMCA. Located close to the railway station, it became a place of rest and recreation for thousands in transit.

Interior of the YMCA during WWI, 1915

Leicester’s oldest surviving theatre

The YMCA’s Association Hall, with seating for 300, opened before the main building in 1900 and was used for drama productions, concerts and lectures. Known as The Playhouse from the 1930s, it is regarded as Leicester’s oldest surviving theatre. Today it is known as The Y Theatre. Leicester YMCA still owns these buildings, providing supported accommodation for young people alongside cultural activities at The Y Theatre.

Visit the Leicester YMCA website.