Funded by Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the Skills Capital Fund, the refurbished community learning hub will provide enhanced access to skills training for residents who are currently unemployed.
Investment in the Grade II Listed building will include a complete refurbishment of the ground floor facilities, a new reception area and café. The work will also include repairing and enhancing the building’s original features, with external improvements to the roof, windows, brick and stonework.
Learning Hub users will also benefit from investment in new IT infrastructure, the school hall will be reconfigured as a new, flexible teaching area and the building will be fully Wi-Fi enabled.
Following a competitive tendering exercise, Liverpool-based contractor Cunard Construction has been appointed to carry out the work. The company has extensive experience in the refurbishment of important listed buildings, while also providing social value to the users of the centre and the immediate community.
Cllr Ian Maher, Sefton Council Leader said:
“Sefton Community Learning Hub provides a fantastic community resource for adult learners to access skills and bridge the gap to employment.
“These refurbishment works will breathe new life into Cambridge Road, securing its future for the long term and helping us to attract more learners in an inviting, stimulating and connected environment.
“This will be particularly important in the light of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact, which will see more local residents relying on community learning services.
“As well as improving learning opportunities at the Cambridge Road centre, the refurbishment will also reduce its day-to-day running costs and create the potential to generate income.”
Until the redevelopment is complete services will continue to be provided by the Council’s Community Learning Service at alternative nearby venues.
Cllr Maher added:
“This investment unlocks the potential of Cambridge Road and safeguards the future of an iconic building. Sefton Community Learning Hub is a well-used asset but can play an even greater role in the community.
“This is an important milestone in enabling more learners and service users to access Cambridge Road.”
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Even as we deal with the immediate impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, we must continue to invest and plan for our future so that our economic recovery begins as quickly as possible. Education and training will be at the heart of our recovery as we ensure that the people of the Liverpool City Region have the skills and learning they need to thrive. By investing in infrastructure schemes such as this Learning Hub in Cambridge Road we are investing in the future of our city region.”
