New children's space 'will become the pride of Liverpool 8'

A new children's space "will become the pride of Liverpool 8".

Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson officially opened The Basement, a dedicated children and youth zone at the Florence Institute (the Florrie) today, April 19. The process took nine years from the idea to seeing the plans become reality.

At the launch, youth workers, community groups and primary school children from Liverpool 8 were in attendance to see and experience the new space. The Florrie received more than £600k from the Youth Investment Fund to create the new space which can be used free of charge for children up to the age of 18 (and older for those with Special Education Needs (SEN).

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CEO of the Florrie Anne Lundon said: "We always knew we wanted a dedicated space within the building for young people. The Basement is not your average children’s centre.

“We have a state of the art cinema for movie nights, where every seat is the best seat in the house".

The Florrie worked with architects Unit3 Design Studio (UDS) and principal contractors Krol Corlett in designing and creating the basement amongst other partners. In designing the cinema every detail was carefully crafted by UDS to provide an unparalleled cinematic experience.

It seats 20 people and The Basement also has a radio station and recording studio. Young people can showcase their creativity for broadcasting over an easy to use web based platform, produce their own radio shows, share their favourite music or create podcasts.

Anne said: "The Basement is available to book for any school, youth group or community group in the L8 area two evenings per week and Saturday mornings for organised activities for children. We appointed two part time youth workers, which means we can have even more activities for young people."

Laurence Fenlon chief operating officer at the Florrie added: "The Basement is really something special and it's taken almost a decade to make our dream a reality. It's always been difficult for us to secure funding to deliver a dedicated offer for children and although we've had paid youth workers in the past, it's been difficult for them to deliver with a few resources we previously had available".

Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson said: "Years before I was elected I used to work around the corner in Welly Road, when this building was a crumbling wreck. Move forward to 2012 and this building was restored to its glory.

"When it opened in 1889 Bernard Hall had the vision of creating a space for local young people to be nurtured, use their creative capability and their sporting prowess and create legends. I would hope The Basement is going to do that in the future for the young people who are going to use this facility.

"I saw the look on the faces of the school children when they walked through the door. They were just in awe".

Kim spoke of her right as Labour MP to "slag off the Tory government and 14 years of austerity due to the impact it had on the council" as well as the “voluntary and community sector”. Kim spoke of lots of youth facilities supporting the community, and "now it's been decimated".

Due to the input of young people Kim said: "Young people's voices are often devoid from lots of things we do as adults, so it's really great to see the work of young people in this building and this space."

Martin Shutt principal designer and architect at Unit3 Design Studio said: "Unit3 are honoured to have worked on the full refurbishment of the Grade II Florence Institute basement into a new exciting youth activity hub. From initial conversations in December 2022 every step of this journey has been guided by a shared vision of creating a space where L8's young community can thrive.

"Collaboration with the client, innovation, input by a range of designers and the unwavering dedication of our principal contractors Krol Corlett we've transformed a basic idea into a vibrant reality. As the doors of the youth hub swing open they symbolise the beginning of a new chapter for the Florrie filled with endless opportunities for young people's growth, interaction and inspiration."

Beau Williams, 19, The Basement coordinator said: "I started here when I was 15, helping over the summer holidays and putting on activities. Also doing lunch bags in a campaign making sure kids, who may be struggling, got fed.

"I've been back here for about two months and when I came back I added ideas to it; the multi-function room, things we can do in there, how schools can use it and how we can use the cinema. We can have things like X-Boxes, Play Stations and different things just to get the kids a bit more engaged.

"The radio room, they can make their own podcasts, help build their confidence in speaking and exploring issues relevant to them. From the kids first impression, I think they're going to love it and use it loads, especially when the youth club is up and running. It will become the pride of Liverpool 8."

For booking information visit the Florrie HERE

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