Full steam ahead for new Birkdale library.
FOBL (Friends of Birkdale Library) were a group that were set up in order to campaign to prevent the council run library in Liverpool Road Birkdalefrom closing down. Having lost this fight, a core committee from within the group set about trying to find alternative premises in the area where we could establish a library/ community hub to continue to serve local people. We are excited that we have at last found that new home and it is our intention to bring back into use a building that was the one time station masters house adjoining Birkdale Railway Station.
The Station Master’s House has been unused for many years and Merseyrail, who lease the building from Network Rail are very keen that it should be brought back into use. They are extremely supportive of our plans.
We have worked alongside a local architect who has drawn up detailed plans incorporating the necessary alterations required to make the building suitable for use as a library/community hub. It is envisaged that the centre would include a library for adults and children, use of computers, meeting rooms for community use and a signposting service to other local organisations. There are a whole host of possible activities and services such as children’s story time, yoga classes, music tuition and social interaction groups to combat loneliness.
At a site meeting on 1st March, the architects plans were provisionally approved by Merseyrail and we are now awaiting final approval by Network Rail (the landlords) prior to commencing work on the proposed internal alterations.
It is our intention that the house should reflect its Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR) heritage roots including pictures and memorabilia alongside its community use and this will be reflected in its restoration.
With the house being situated in the centre of Birkdale Village, with excellent public transport access, we feel that the Station Master’s House will provide a welcoming community focal point and heritage experiencefor the Village.
We are now at the stage where we are seriously looking for funding to take the venture forward. Ideally, if there were a community minded local business – or even an individual (a celebrity perhaps?) – who would like their name to be associated with this exciting project, then please contact our secretary Sylvia Thompson on 0756 183 8818 and discuss how you might become involved. Surely there could be no greater gift than to have your name associated with such a worthwhile community venture?
This is an exciting project for all local people and we need your support to ensure The Station Masters House is a huge success.
We need donations large and small.
We need volunteers, both skilled and unskilled. We need books.
If you can help in any way – then get in touch.
See our website www.thestationmastershouse.co.uk
For up to date information and to donate via Paypal. Or CONTACT: 0756 183 8818 Or Email: contact@thestationmastershouse.co.uk
MP John Pugh is a strong supporter and is also a Trustee of the project.
Chairman of Birkdale Civic Society Ralph Gregson is a supporter.
Chairman of Southport Civic Society David Head is a supporter.
Supported by Local Councillors.
This isn’t a “pie in the sky” venture that is a figment of some consultants imagination – it is a real live project that is actually happening – and happening now. The Station Masters House will transform Birkdale Village.
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