A Merseyside charity has taken over a former office block in the heart of a town, unveiling "ambitious plans" for its transformation. Brokered by Smith and Sons, The Johnson Foundation, a Wirral-based organisation, has secured Europa House on Conway Street in Birkenhead.
With a history spanning over a quarter of a century, the charity intends to repurpose the building into a collegiate-style residence for young individuals transitioning out of care. The centrally located Birkenhead property, which has stood vacant for a number of years, is set for an extensive makeover and redevelopment.
Upon completion, the facility will boast 26 bedrooms, alongside a variety of communal amenities and spaces for leisure activities. The establishment will be christened Peter Johnson Halls, as a tribute to the charity's founder.
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The Johnson Foundation was launched by Wirral entrepreneur and benefactor Peter Johnson in 1987. Mr Johnson founded Park Foods, originally known for its Christmas hampers, and later became Everton chairman.
The new centre on Conway Street aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk care leavers, complete with educational, learning, and training support, as well as vital pastoral care, reports .
Peter Johnson Halls will become a dedicated base for the charity, with plans to establish offices on the ground floor. 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."
The transaction was managed by Smith and Sons on behalf of the previous owner, with the Johnson Foundation now embarking on an extensive six-month renovation project. Architecture practice Falconer Chester Hall has overseen the design and planning process with work expected to commence shortly.
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Jason Wadeson, a 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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