YMCA Bridges Street Centre, formerly known as Central Building, was built in 1918 as the first self-financed premises of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. It was a six-storey redbrick construction with a combination of Western neo-classical and Chinese vernacular architectural style. The building was well-equipped with modern facilities at that time, including the first indoor swimming pool in Hong Kong, indoor sports ground, overhead jogging track, assembly hall, fitness room, canteen and hostel. It was used as the headquarters of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong until 1966. In view of its historical and architectural merit, Bridges Street Centre was accorded Grade I status by the Antiquities Advisory Board in 2009.
The Centre has experienced over 90 years of change, shifting its major services from social work counseling to non-subvented recreation and sports.
The building served as the headquarters of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong until 1966 when the headquarters was moved to the new premises in Waterloo Road, Kowloon. The building was used as a Youth Service Centre since then, serving young people of the region.
Centre Opening Time
Monday - Saturday 10:00 – 21:30
Sunday and Public Holiday 10:00 – 18:00
(Source of image: YMCA Bridges Street Centre website)