Contractors have been hard at work during the past few weeks, renovating the interior space that will soon become the new Gloucester Family YMCA.

According to Sheila Pillath, branch director of the Mathews and Gloucester YMCA facilities, renovations on the 9,500 square-foot space located in Main Street Center should be complete by the end of the month. The new facility should be open by the first week of February.

Renovation work began Jan. 4. “I am surprised at the progress that has been made in such a short period of time,” Pillath said.

Much of the work so far has included tearing out walls to accommodate the needs of the facility and readying a portion of the space for locker rooms.

She said construction of the locker rooms will be one of the most daunting tasks, as it will require all-new plumbing in a space that previously served an entirely different purpose.

Walking in to the front of the new facility, members will be able to enjoy a large room dedicated to var...