World class youth hostel planned for Stratford

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A “WORLD-class” youth hostel is to be created in Stratford at a cost of more than £1 million.

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) is to begin work on the new-look hostel at its base in Alveston, providing 16 en suite rooms and a total of 132 beds with improved facilities for visitors.

Now closed for extensive refurbishment costing £1.26 million in total, it is set to re-open in April with improved disabled facilities, a new reception and bar and upgraded licensed café, Hemmingford’s, which will also be open to non-residents.

As part of the investment, the Georgian building – which set in three acres of grounds – will also undergo full redecoration and have improved public facilities including an enhanced educational zone.

Stephen Dodgson, YHA manager, said: “The refurbishment is a great opportunity to showcase the high quality service and accommodation YHA has to offer the local community, tourists and schools.”

The hostel in Stratford is one of six youth hostels – from 150 across the country - taking a share of a YHA’s £10 million capital investment fund to create what it describes as a 'world-class network of youth hostels and change the outdated public perception of its accommodation.'

Caroline White, chief executive of YHA England and Wales, added: “We want to make sure that we continue to have world class hostels in fantastic locations and to make sure that as many people as possible know about what a great time they can have when they stay with us.”

Visit www.yha.org.uk for more information.

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