£10k Heritage boost
PLANS for a new Formby Heritage Centre are set to enjoy a £10,000 boost.
The scheme aims to celebrate the rich history of the town by displaying historic artefacts for people to enjoy.
The Imagine Formby CIC, community and voluntary sector based, social enterprise, is eager to bring the project to life to improve Formby village and neighbourhood centre.
The group has raised concerns that some of the items are currently being stored in poor conditions, following the closure in recent years of civic buildings such as the former Formby Town Hall.
Officers at Sefton Council are now asking councillors to support a proposal for £10,000 towards the funding for the new centre, whose overall cost is £25,160.
In his report, Sefton Council Assistant Director of People (Communities) Simon Burnett said: “Imagine Formby CIC wants to improve the Village Centre because it was badly affected during lockdown with many small shops and businesses closing their doors.
“They want to revive the centre by making it more attractive to visitors and businesses in a sustainable way at no cost to Sefton Council, by introducing public art heritage and environmental projects to be based in the centre.
“They have developed strong partnerships with other organisations by collaborating with Formby Civic Society, The Atkinson Southport, Formby Parish Council, Range High School, SCVS, The Formby Pool Project and the National Trust.
“The group are currently working on a museum to house the many artefacts and information on the history of Formby.
“They have refurbished a space in Formby with a small grant of £2,000 from the Heritage Lottery fund, and money from the ward budgets has improved the lighting and electrics.
“They were successful in their crowdfunding bid and were also awarded a grant for £10,000 from the Lottery.
“This funding is for public art projects which will involve the whole community.
“The Museum is part of the cultural heritage rescue project.
“Formby Civic Society advised that many valuable historical artefacts and records are stored in unsuitable conditions because there are no public buildings left in Formby apart from the library and that is full.
“Formby has a rich historical legacy, and it will be on display and available for local history research for the public including local schools and colleges and visitors.
“The Museum will be a cultural asset to the people of Sefton and beyond and will be a great attraction to visitors to our wonderful Sefton coastline.
“All of this will be sustainable through support from Formby Parish Council, local business, fundraising events and donations.
“The space is on the first floor of one of the café bars in the village centre and the local Civic Society are working on curating the collections to be displayed there.
“Formby Parish Council have pledged to cover annual running costs.
“The group are requesting funding for a stairlift and a disabled toilet to improve access for the disabled and older people to the museum.”
£10,160 is being requested from the Community Transition Fund towards the overall costs of the project which is £25,160.
The group have already secured the following funding: Heritage Lottery Funds £2,000 refurbishment of the space Awards For all £10,000 Village Centre improvements including 8 Alleyways Project. The Parish Council £2,000 Carpets and Electrics Sefton Council Ward Budgets £1,000 contribution to Stairlift.