It has been a refuge for young men looking for shelter for decades, but the Young Men's Christian Association in Central, Port Elizabeth, closed its doors this week and will soon become up-market student accommodation.

Former YMCA regional secretary John Stadler said this week he felt it was the "end of an era" for the offices at 31 Havelock Street.

"Our goal has always been to accommodate young men during transitional periods in their lives. More recently, we've had the opportunity to assist the women of our area as well, helping when and where we could," Stadler said.

The YMCA's branch in Parkside has been operating in conjunction with the Central office for the past 10 years.

Stadler said the staff would now be "concentrating their attention" on the Parkside branch. "Its not our first relocation ever. We started at a base in Havelock Square just around the corner. That was in 1875. We've relocated a few times since then."

The Havelock Street branch has hosted sports teams - including tennis, hockey, badminton and netball teams - fundraising events and general social events over the years.

The building will be taken over by Mauro Nettl, owner of Mauro's restaurant, who says he has "big plans" for the old hostel.

"We're keeping the hostel running, but revamping the entire building," Nettl said.

"We'll be targeting students, making this a kind of local 'digs'. It's going to be called Smart Accommodation and it will have a trendy, colourful feel to it. I think it will breathe some life back into this beautiful area."

Plans include pool tables and a gymnasium.