HRH The Prince of Wales has previously visited the Florrie when it was in its dilapidated state. The building, when derelict, had lapsed ownership to the Duchy of Lancaster and was kindly gifted back to the community under care of the Florence Institute Trust. The Trust was eager for HRH to witness the spectacular revival of the Florrie.

The Florrie is an inspirational story of a community that refused to see their rich heritage disappear. A building of architectural and social merit, the Florrie was built in 1889 by Bernard Hall in memory of his daughter Florence who tragically died at the age of 22. As a former Major of Liverpool, he was aware of the hardships faced by the local boys. His intention was to provide a place of recreation and instruction to the poor and working lads of the area.

The Florrie has benefited not only from the financial support of her funders but also the invaluable practical and professional support given. They are the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)'s £4.2million grant funding, European Regional Development Fund's £1.58 million grant funding, NWDA's £536K grant funding, the Architectural Heritage Fund's £257K finance provider, Liverpool City Council's £150K grant funding, the Tudor Trust's £150K grant funding and Garfield Weston Foundation's £50K grant funding.

Tiffany Hunt, new Chair of Heritage Lottery Fund's North West Committee, said: "The Heritage Lottery Fund is extremely proud to have supported this wonderful restoration project which brings together heritage, sport and local people under one roof. Today's royal opening is a great opportunity for the team behind the Florrie to showcase their achievements and celebrate putting a much-loved building right back into the heart of the community."

The rebirth of the Florrie is testament to the work and commitment of the trust, its members, friends and the community whose continued support is essential to Florrie's future success. The Florrie is now a vibrant community centre with a multitude of events, activities and projects all taking place in this living museum and drawing on the buildings heritage for its vision.

Notes to editors

Members of HLF's Committee for the North West are chosen for their wide range of experience and local knowledge. Responsible for making decisions on regional applications to the fund from £50,000 to £2million, the committee are supported by the regional HLF team for the North West, who operate from Manchester based offices.

Tiffany Hunt, Lancastrian by origin, studied history at the University of Kent and completed a postgraduate course in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester before becoming the Deputy Curator of the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. In 1982, Tiffany joined the National Trust, and in the course of her career with the trust held various regional and national roles based in Yorkshire, London, Northumbria and the North West. She now lives in Cumbria. Tiffany is an Associate of the Museums Association, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Leeds graduate of Common Purpose.

Further information

HLF press office: Katie Owen or Laura Bates on 020 7591 6036 / 6027.

The Florence Institute Trust Ltd: Hannah Vose on 0151 728 232, email: hannah@theflorrie.org.