In July 2010, we proceeded with the ‘winChangers Initiative’, to appoint architects to complete a feasibility study exploring the options and opportunities for our building ahead of a major programme of refurbishment and renewal.

In early August, we shortlisted six firms from the 37 applications we received and in early September appointed Architecture 00, who started to support us in the development of plans earlier this year.

Alongside the winChangers Initiative feasibility study we are also undertaking a social enterprise feasibility study, exploring and costing the possibilities for a wide range of enterprise ideas, most of which have been raised through the 18 month-long consultation process with children, young people, staff and volunteers, partners and local people.

The winChangers Initiative signals an exciting milestone in our work towards a building which will be better equipped to respond to the challenges and opportunities we face as a voluntary sector organisation today. Most recently, we took a large group of young people, youthworkers and community partners to Harlem, New York to learn about approaches to challenging poverty and working with young people, which have been brought back to the Winch as we continue this process of change.