theflorrie.org

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.

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