Work is set to begin imminently
A Merseyside charity have acquired this former office building (Image: Photo courtesy of Dawn Media)
A Merseyside charity have acquired a former office building at the centre of one town with “ambitious plans” to transform it. In a deal managed by Smith and Sons, Wirral-based charity The Johnson Foundation have now acquired Europa House on Conway Street in Birkenhead.
The charity, which was established over 25 years ago, plan to turn it into a university style residence for young care leavers. The building in the centre of Birkenhead has remained unoccupied for several years and will now undergo a complete transformation and redevelopment programme.
When completed, it will include 26 bedrooms, with multiple shared facilities and recreational space. The site will be named Peter Johnson Halls, in honour of the charity’s founder.
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The Johnson Foundation was started by Wirral businessman and philanthropist Peter Johnson in 1987. The charity was established to promote “any charitable purposes for the benefit of the Liverpool City Region.”
The centre on Conway Street will offer a comfortable and secure home for vulnerable care leavers alongside educational, learning and training support. It will also offer essential pastoral care.
Europa House on Conway Street in Birkenhead(Image: Google Streetview/Screengrab)
Peter Johnson Halls will also become a permanent home to the charity, who will establish offices in the ground floor space. Kate Eugeni, chair of The Johnson Foundation, said: “There is very little provision for young adults leaving the care system who can often feel completely isolated and overwhelmed when they leave the safety net of being a ‘looked after’ young person.
“Statistics show that a significant percentage of young men and women from this group can quite easily slip through the net, and simply aren’t able to identify and access opportunities that may be available to them. This centre aims to not only offer a home, but ensures that these youngsters are able to develop essential life skills and successfully navigate their way into the adult world.”
Smith and Sons managed the sale of the building on behalf of the previous owner, and the Johnson Foundation has now begun work on the expansive six-month renovation project. Renowned architects, Falconer Chester Hall have managed the design and planning process and work is set to begin imminently.
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Jason Wadeson, partner at Smith and Sons said: “It’s fantastic to see Europa House move into the hands of an aspirational Wirral-based charity who will repurpose the building and create something very different to its former use. Commercial buildings across the country, such as this, are being redeveloped for alternative use as the traditional workplace and space takes on a very different identity.
Kate Eugeni added: “We’re incredibly excited to begin this project and now we have the keys to the building, we can begin to make our vision a reality. My father, Peter Johnson, was actually one of the first tenants of this building, and it’s wonderful.”
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