The Florence Institute, Liverpool:

Known affectionately to the locals as ‘The Florrie’, the Grade II listed Florence Institute was built in 1889 as Britain’s first purpose-built boys’ youth club. Located within the dockland area of Liverpool, the building was commissioned by former Mayor Sir Bernard Hall as a memorial to his daughter Florence who died tragically at the age of twenty-two. Former old boys include John Conteh, and Gerry Marsden. The building closed in 1988, quickly fell into disrepair and has been subject to vandalism and fire damage. A number of local people were keen to see ‘The Florrie’ brought back to life and formed the Florence Institute Trust. They have campaigned tirelessly towards this aim and successfully won funding from a number of sources including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

William Anelay has been appointed as principal contractor to carry out Phase 1 enabling works to clear the building and make it safe so that the Project Design Team can safely gain access for assessment of the necessary repairs and alterations. Throughout this phase, William Anelay will provide technical advice to the team based on their knowledge and understanding of historic and listed buildings. Phase 2 works commenced early 2011 and will include the complete repair of brickwork and terracotta to all elevations and the construction of a new roof with traditional lead and slate coverings. Architectural features such as vents and cupola are to be recreated and reinstated. Internally the building will benefit from major restoration and re-ordering incorporating extensive repairs to floors and walls and the introduction of new mechanical and electrical systems throughout.

Once construction works are completed, the Florence Institute will be re-establish as a pivotal community hub offering employment opportunities and leisure, welfare and business facilities in the form of cafes, drop in centres, youth groups, sports events, and small units for business start ups. To see how the construction phase is progressing, please visit http://vimeo.com/23305807 and for more information about the Florence Institute Trust, visit www.theflorrie.org