A BOXING coach feels like he "has won the lottery" after a building firm stepped in to help renovate his gym.
Kingston ABC gym in Hessle Road has been in existence for decades and Steve Pollard, who runs the club near Pickering Park, wants to turn it into a community hub.
But, after almost three years, he was struggling to find the cash. Now, after a chance meeting with Andy Barber, of the Smile Foundation, it has all fallen into place.
The Smile Foundation helps smaller charities by getting businesses to help.
Mr Pollard said: "I met Andy, who said he could help. I didn't hear much for a while, but then Andy got in touch and said Barratt Homes was onboard.
"The company said it had a budget of £5,000, which I didn't think was a lot.
"But managing director Paul Newman said the company would call in favours and the £5,000 would be used for a party once work was complete.
"The amount of work that will take place is probably going to be worth up to £80,000.
"This is a 200-year-old building but, by the middle of next month, it will be new.
"It has taken two-and-a-half years, but finally, things are starting to happen.
"It feels like we have won the lottery. This will be like a new start for us, a new breath of life.
Mr Pollard, who trained Yorkshire fighter Paul Ingle to a world title, was asked to help and eventually quit his job running a pub to take on the gym.
He has already spent thousands of pounds on the building, which is adequate for the boxing side, but much more work was needed to make it into a community hub.
The kitchen area will be refurbished and the whole building will get a lick of paint. A new office will also be created and the area around the building will be landscaped.
The work will start on Friday, August 8, and will be completed by Friday, August 15.
Mr Pollard said: "We will have a new community café with a new kitchen. I already have a chef onboard.
"It will be here for the elderly and we will also provide computer courses and other social events.
"We really want to make this a hub of the community and help bring people, young and old, together."
The regeneration will be managed by Barratt Homes' Young Guns – a group of graduates and young employees from all areas of the Barratt business.
Paul Newman, managing director of Barratt Homes Yorkshire East, said: "The centre currently serves 150 children a week and it is hoped, once complete, the renovated club will be a real cornerstone of the community, serving 250 people a week, which we hope to launch next month."
Local businesses are being asked to provide tables, chairs and other equipment.
Mr Newman said: "We hope businesses from across the area will support us in our quest to regenerate this community hub in Kingston.
"We need to ensure everything is catered for and we look forward to receiving donations soon."
