Following GRAHAM’s award and commencement of the A164 and Jocks Lodge Junction Improvements Scheme for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council via YORcivil Major Works, the company reaffirmed its social value commitment through a pledge to the YOR4Good Fund.

During community engagement, GRAHAM identified an opportunity to support Cherry Tree Youth Hub as a site initiative. Given the scale and value of the proposed contribution, formal approval was sought and granted by the YOR4Good Fund Panel.

The original design for the Youth Hub required significant revision to accommodate the site’s existing topography. Leveraging the expertise of GRAHAM’s project engineering team, a new layout was developed to ensure functionality and compliance.

The build was executed with exceptional efficiency, taking just 17 days in total which included 9 days for site clearance, levelling, service diversions/installations and foundation works, followed by 8 days for the DIY SOS build and completion.

Key features of the single-storey construction included:

• Foundations and structural steelwork
• Substructure beams and block-and-beam flooring
• Internal and external blockwork
• Drainage and service ducting
• Hard and soft landscaping
• Perimeter fencing

Throughout the build, the GRAHAM team expertly coordinated logistics, materials, and resources to ensure smooth delivery, and met any challenges with skill and determination.

The project culminated in a heart-warming and emotional reveal event, hosted by Nick Knowles in May.

Following completion, representatives from GRAHAM, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the YOR4Good Fund met with Jo and Tony, the visionaries behind Cherry Tree Youth Hub, for a plaque presentation and to reflect on the project’s impact.

Jo’s and Tony’s energy and enthusiasm remain palpable and since the opening:

• 432 young people have registered with the Youth Hub
• Around 150 young people have visited the Hub each week
• The Hub has become so popular there are plans to increase its opening from four to five days a week.

This initiative has created a vibrant, safe space for local young people to meet and benefit from the facilities available at the Hub, reinforcing GRAHAM’s and YOR4Good’s commitment to delivering meaningful social value.

The team from GRAHAM with the support of the YOR4Good Fund and the YORcivil framework were instrumental in this project’s creation.

Tony Henderson, Cherry Tree Treasurer, said:

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with everyone at GRAHAM. Without their support I don’t think the build would have been possible, however, it’s not just the youth hub build they have helped with, it’s the wrap around approach GRAHAM have given us. At Easter we received Easter eggs for our young people, we have received donations of food products for our social food pantry which have been donated to families in the area. It’s refreshing to see a company have such a community approach and we are all grateful for their support, thank you to everyone at GRAHAM Construction, special thanks to Dan & Jim who have been fantastic to work with throughout. The Youth Hub is now open 5 nights a week and we engage with approximately 200 young people each week.”

Contracts Manager, James Stevenson, spoke for GRAHAM:

“The Cherry Tree Youth Hub project receiving the backing of the YOR4Good Fund was huge for this project and the dreams of those that had hoped for years that one day it would become a reality. This will change lives of the people who use the Hub and the direction they take, as when young people are given the right frameworks, they don’t just grow, they help entire communities thrive. A youth project like the Cherry Tree Youth Hub is more than an initiative; it’s a foundation where guidance meets action, and where the energy of tomorrow builds hope today. A well-structured youth project is not just an investment in young people, it is an investment that strengthens communities, fosters resilience, and builds sustainable futures. The YOR4Good Fund backing of this initiative has set the foundation and cornerstone for the people of Beverley.’’

Phil Henderson, Chair of the YOR4Good panel, said: “YORhub is incredibly proud to have contributed to the Cherry Tree Youth Project. This fantastic community initiative supports disadvantaged young people in the Beverley area. We have already witnessed the positive impact this group has on young people’s lives. With the support of DIY SOS and GRAHAM, we have assisted in establishing a centre which will ensure the Cherry Tree Youth Project continues to benefit young people for many years to come. A huge thank you once again to our dedicated team and valued supply chain partners for their commitment to this worthy cause.”

YORhub champions social value through its frameworks, and its YOR4Good initiative has awarded in excess of £2.1 million in funding and supported over 200 community projects to date.

Find out more about YOR4Good.