Florrie refurb targets young entrepreneurs
A DERELICT Grade II listed building in Liverpool, is to be converted into a hub for up and coming entrepreneurs following a £1.5m investment from Europe.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is supporting the conversion of the Florence Institute – a former boys’ institute in Dingle known as the Florrie – into a business and community centre.
A further £536,000 will come from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
The project, which has also received a £3.7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to fund an extensive repair and restoration programme.
The building will provide 10,000 sq ft of offices aimed at young businesses, 2,500 sq ft of space for conferences and exhibitions and an events hall.
The NWDA said the project will create 43 new jobs and attract private sector investment worth £150,000.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “This important building is a key part of the area’s heritage and was once at the heart of the local community. This investment will bring it back to life as a key community asset once again.”
