Local man’s £1m plan to transform Cloisters building
A£1M PLAN has been revealed aiming to transform a prominent Southport building and create 75 jobs in the process.
The proposals by tech entrepreneur Matthew Townson are to redevelop The Cloisters building, on Corporation Street, with the Victorian school set to be divided into two units - one for a new health and wellbeing centre, and the other to house his Techedia firm.
Techedia, which specialises in IT in the professional services sector, will move from its Crosby base where it has experienced year on year growth since its formation in 2013.
Mr Townson, who is from Southport, hopes to more than double the size of Techedia and create around 75 jobs recruiting from the town’s schools and colleges which he once attended.
Mr Townson this year acquired the 6,000sq ft Cloisters building, which also has a large rooftop terrace that was once a playground and was last occupied by Tasker’s Sport, and said he will spend over £1m on the scheme.
He said: “As a proud Sandgrounder, I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring such an important building in the town back to life after being empty for three years.
“We’re keen to attract local people to work in the building and retain that talent, which in the past has moved elsewhere, as well as help fuel the local economy.
“The council has been extremely supportive and we’re continuing to work with them to ensure the building is not only eco-friendly but also provides services and activities for local people focusing on health, wellness and wellbeing.”
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council with work expected to begin early next year.