Café at Leavesden Country Park completes expansion works

After receiving £60,000 from the council, One YMCA has added more than 46 new seats as well as two large table areas and a long desk for single workspace provision to increase the Woodlands Café capacity. The council owns the building but leases it to One YMCA. 

The works included removing the wall between the two sides to create a larger space. The additional toilet in the space will add to the capacity of the park, while an extra drink service area will also be added to help cope with certain busy times.

The new space will also have the flexibility to be used for private hire/community events at non-peak times as well as provide training and employment opportunities for young people and residents of One YMCA hostels.

One YMCA estimated it would cost more than £118,000 to carry out the works, but it had a shortfall of £60,000. Three Rivers District councillors approved to use money held for the improvement and maintenance of the park alongside monies from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund to fill the gap.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am very pleased that the council was able to help this valuable community facility with its ambition to expand.

“Not only will residents have more of a chance to grab a seat to relax and have a nice refreshment or snack when they visit Leavesden Country Park, but it will also help One YMCA to provide much-needed training to young adults in need.”

Guy Foxell, CEO of One YMCA said: “We’re delighted that the partnership with Three Rivers District Council has led to an extension of the café, which will provide more jobs and work experience for our charity’s service users as well as more space for park users to enjoy great-tasting food and drink in this lovely country park.”