Lister Drive Library
It’s good news for residents of Lister Drive, Getintothis’ Kieran Donnachie has all the info about a new library, community centre and more.
There’s a £3.9m development project happening on Lister Drive over in Tuebrook, backed by Liverpool City Council.
The building formerly known as Andrew Carnegie Library is getting a £3.9m upgrade courtesy of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Council are chipping in with £500,000, as they are owners of the building.
The 12 month restoration, starting April 1 (after midday), is being headed up by HH Smith & Sons Ltd. They carry a hefty pedigree, with numerous restoration projects complete and ongoing in Northern England.
The Grade 2 listed building was vacant for six years until 2012, when community based charity Lister Steps, er, stepped in. On top of their child care and family support services, the new community centre promises “a licensed café, an events space, a healthy food takeaway, a co-working space and facilities to help local people socialise, learn new skills and hobbies.”
Community engagement doesn’t just start when the construction is done either. Lister Steps, working alongside HH Smith, will put on several open days and training events for the community to come and see the work first hand, as well as offer a helping one, during the restoration.
Crisis in music education: heading to a preserve of the affluent and well-heeled?
There will be further technical days for building experts, apprenticeship training and funded bursary placements. The charity is also holding an open evening at St Cecilia’s Social Club on April 3, starting at 6pm.
As critical as we can be about the City Council, it’s great to see this project announced. We’re in an era of gutted support services and a deeply concerning lack of direction; community, wherever you find it, is a haven for many.
[paypal-donation]
