Project of the week

Situated in Dingle, South Liverpool, The Florence Institute for Boys is believed to be the oldest surviving purpose-built boys club in the UK. It was built by local philanthropist, Magistrate and Mayor of Liverpool, Bernard Hall, in 1889, and was named in memory of his late daughter, Florence. Recognising the links between poverty and anti-social behaviour, he hoped that The Florrie – as it is fondly known by locals - would prove an acceptable place of recreation and instruction for the poor and working boys of this district of the city.

The Florrie served the community for almost one hundred years, providing a wide range of educational and skills-based activities and becoming a hub for nurturing Liverpool’s sporting heritage. However, following its closure in the late 1980s, it subsequently fell into disrepair and suffered several devastating building fires.

What followed was a campaign to save The Florrie – a group of dedicated local residents came together to form the “Friends of The Florrie” group, from which a charitable trust was established to take the lead in bringing the building back to its former glory. Along with help from the then Prince of Wales, they managed to raise the funds for the restoration. Work on the building officially began in 2010 and The Florrie once again opened its doors to the public in April 2012.

Today, this Grade II-listed Victorian community arts and heritage venue remains a social, cultural, educational, and charitable hub for the people of South Liverpool. Expanding its work beyond just the youth, it now supports people of all ages. Alongside offering a wide variety of activities, events and services, it comprises many wonderful spaces for the community to use, including a Grand Hall, a Multi-Sports Gymnasium, a Heritage Centre, a Community Arts and Music Room, a Library and IT suite, a Community Café, a Radio Studio, Meeting Rooms, Managed Workspace for up to 10 SME’s, and two community gardens.