The new home for Cherry Tree Youth Hub was created in just a few days earlier this year
The DIY SOS episode featuring a Big Build in Beverley that “will change lives” is set to be broadcast later this month. The cast of the BBC show were in the town in May this year where, joined by the “wonderful people” of the area, a new youth centre was created in just a few days.
The programme, presented by Nick Knowles, is due to air on BBC One on Tuesday, December 30 at 8pm. It will chart the creation of a new home for the Cherry Tree Youth Hub which is giving young people a safe and supportive space to thrive.
Nick and the team were also joined by stars from the hit TV show Gladiators to help with the build. The contractor working on the A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme was instrumental in bringing the project to life too.
Staff from GRAHAM volunteered their time in collaboration with YORhub’s YOR4Good initiative, led by East Riding Of Yorkshire Council (ERYC). GRAHAM is currently constructing the major £86.9m Jock’s Lodge junction scheme near Beverley on behalf of the authority.
It became a key partner in the DIY SOS project as part of the company’s social value commitment to the area through the YOR4Good fund. This initiative has so far awarded over £2.1-million in funding and supported more than 200 community projects to date.
The Big Build for Cherry Tree Youth Hub was completed in 17 days overall following an intensive three-day redesign phase by GRAHAM with help of the project engineering team. This included nine days for site clearance, levelling, service diversions/installations and foundation works followed by eight days for the DIY SOS build and completion. Numerous other local businesses and suppliers were also involved in bringing the new building to life.
As part of the project, GRAHAM worked on the foundations and structural steelwork, substructure beams and block-and-beam flooring, internal and external blockwork, drainage and service ducting, hard and soft landscaping, and perimeter fencing.
At the time of the build, presenter Nick Knowles told Hull Live how impressed he had been with the efforts and support of the local community in Beverley. He said: “Look at the people who turned out, look at the people who believed in this, look at the people who wanted to build something for the kids here, and look at what’s been built.
“We always think that, when we come to build something, it’s like a health check for a community – how healthy is your community? What’s the community spirit like? Well look at it, eight days – you shouldn’t be able to do that in eight days.
“People were here from six o’clock to midnight and it wasn’t to be on telly, none of them were interested in that. They just wanted to get this built and we couldn’t make them go home. It’s amazing, it’s been a real honour to be amongst the community.”
Recently, staff from GRAHAM, ERYC and the YOR4Good panel revisited the youth centre to unveil a commemorate plaque and reflect on the lasting legacy of the build. They were reunited with Jo Ramsay, Cherry Tree manager, and Tony Henderson, Cherry Tree treasurer, who accepted the plaque.
Since the hub opened, 432 young people have registered with it and it has become so popular that there are plans to increase the number of days it is open from four to five a week. Phil Henderson, chair of the YOR4Good panel, said: “YORhub is incredibly proud to have contributed to the Cherry Tree Youth Hub project.
“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. This fantastic community initiative supports disadvantaged young people in the Beverley area.
DIY SOS Reveal Cherry Tree Youth Club In Beverley
“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 established a centre which will ensure the Cherry Tree Youth Project continues to benefit young people for many years to come.”
GRAHAM contracts manager James Stevenson said: “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 the lives of the people who use the hub and the direction they take. 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.’’