Liverpool FC's loss a big community gain
Story by David Bartlett
FOUR community centres in north Liverpool are to be upgraded after a European grant given to Liverpool FC was withdrawn because of lack of progress on the club's new stadium.
The schemes - costing around £5m - are funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the city's neighbourhood regeneration programme.
The cash was originally intended for a Community Partnership Centre as part of the new LFC stadium on Stanley Park.
The timescales involved meant the funding had to be re-allocated last November, and the community centre at the stadium will now have to be fully paid for by the club.
Work is now starting on the four schemes, while Liverpool FC are supposed to begin work on their new ground next month.
Anfield Sports and Community Centre, in Lower Breck Road, will now receive £2.15m for a first-class sports hall, gym, community rooms, kitchen and changing facilities and IT suite.
The new facility will offer improved community and health services, together with employment and skills training.
Anfield Breckside Community Council will be given £1.65m to convert the crypt of the Holy Trinity Church into offices and a community hall to be used by the area council.
Breckfield and North Everton Neighbourhood Council will be getting a new sports hall, changing rooms, and multi-purpose community rooms for £624,000.
In Kirkdale, the Neighbourhood Community Centre will receive £447,000 for the renovation of the concert hall at the historic 19th century grade II Gordon Institute. It will provide additional community and sports facilities for the area, and new changing rooms and a lift will be installed.
The rest of the building will be re-decorated.
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 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."
Project manager Sarah Palgrave-Neath, of 2020 Liverpool, 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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