08/08/2008
New community centres
Building work is getting under way on four schemes which will transform community facilities in North Liverpool.
The schemes - costing a total of £5m - are funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Liverpool Neighbourhood Regeneration Programme.
Funding became available after it was originally earmarked for a Community Partnership Centre as part of the new LFC stadium development in Stanley Park, but but the timescales involved in the project meant the grant could not be allocated and the project delivered within the European funding timetable.
The City Council insisted that the cash be re-invested to benefit north Liverpool residents. Local groups were involved in drawing up new schemes and four projects were approved
The Community Partnership Centre at the new stadium will go ahead, but will be fully funded by Liverpool Football Club.
The four community projects, which were judged best equipped to benefit local residents the most and make the greatest contribution to the overall regeneration of the area are:
ANFIELD SPORTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE- £2.15m
A major new extension to the Lower Breck Road Centre which will provide first-class sports hall, gym, community rooms, kitchen and changing facilities and IT suite. The new multi-purpose facility will offer improved community and health services, together with employment and skills training. Work starts on August 18 and the contractor is Gawne and Roberts Construction Ltd.
ANFIELD BRECKSIDE COMMUNITY COUNCIL - £1.65M
This project will see the conversion of the Holy Trinity Church crypt into new offices and a much-needed community hall to be used by the community council It involves the conversion of the crypt into a meeting hall , offices and other facilities for local community use. Work began in June and the contractor is McGoff and Byrne Ltd.
BRECKFIELD AND NORTH EVERTON NEIGHBOURHOOD COUNCIL - £624,000
A new sports hall, changing rooms and multi-purpose community rooms will provide much needed additional indoor space for recreation, health and community facilities at Breckfield Sports and Recreation Centre. . Work will start on 11 August and the contractor is Yearsley Ltd.
KIRKDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE - £447,000
The renovation of the concert hall at the historic 19th century grade II Gordon Institute will provide additional community and sports facilities for the area. New changing facilities and a lift will be installed along with the redecoration works throughout the building.. Work will start on 11 August and the contractor is Allenbuild Northwest Ltd.
All the projects will be completed early in 2009.
2020 Liverpool are designing and managing the projects and have also commissioned a business planning consultant to help the community groups with business plans.
Cllr Flo Clucas, the Council's Deputy Leader, said: "This is the biggest investment in community facilities in North Liverpool for generations. Regenerating this area is a priority for the city council and a vital part of dint that is the contribution made by community groups.
"We were determined that when this funding became available it would stay in this area and provide enhanced community facilities.
"The start of the building work is a major step forward and we look forward to the days when this work is completed."
2020 Liverpool Project Manager Sarah Palgrave-Neath said: "2020 Liverpool are very excited to be working on these exciting new community facilities. The four projects will provide diverse and much needed improved resources to the community groups and will enable the groups to broaden their activities. Partnership working has been the key to the success of the projects to date."
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