Today the Florrie stands, derelict,
but not forgotten on Mill Street in The Dingle. But not for long!
The Friends
of Florrie, with the support of the community, the City Council
and other stakeholders, are confident that the Florrie will be
Saved for 2008 when Liverpool celebrates its Capital of Culture Year.
The eight-year battle to save the Florence Institute ended when a
£3.9m grant to restore the treasured building was announced
by the Heritage Lottery Fund on the 27 September 2006. Now, with funding available.
and 'World Heritage Site' status added to Liverpool's 'Capital of
Culture', there is a wonderful opportunity for the work of the community
groups during the past years to 'come good'.
So many local people have supported the restoration of the Florrie
and, in addition, the Liverpool Echo's 'Stop the Rot' campaign has taken the story to a wider audience.
The Florrie will be a flagship project in the continuing re-generation
of the South-End of the City.
As the re-furbishment work is set in motion there will be construction
jobs, and when that work is complete, then there will be other employment
opportunities.
This is a once in a lifetime chance to bring the'Heritage Industry'
onto Mill Street and into the hands of grass-roots people in the year
of 'Capital of Culture 2008.
Former History
At the start of June 2005 the building was still in
the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster(The Queen's estate) but
they were prepared to transfer title for around £500 to the
new Trust.
Liverpool City Council are supportive of the restoration
and with assistance from other agencies the Trustees submitted bids
to the Heritage Lottery Fund to meet the repair, restoration and
running costs of the project.
With funding in place and ownership transferred the
Trustees can start the 3 year programme of work to deliver the project.
In July the Liverpool Museums Conservation team secured
the Florence Hall memorial bust (above) on site.
The team also removed the plaque commemorating the
ex-Florrie members who were killed in action during World War 1.
Pictured are; Frank Carlyle (Radio Merseyside's local historian),
Tommy Bache (Friends of the Florrie), Tom Calderbank (Florrie former
Project Development), Ossie Jones (Florrie Trustee/Director) and Billy
Williams (Friend of the Florrie)
November 2005
Floor plans by architects Purcell,Miller,Tritton showing
Room usage amended to suit plans.
