Lord Mayor teams up with Coleen McLoughlin to launch new training centre in Croxteth (05/10/2006)

05.10.2006

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Joan Lang and Coleen McLoughlin will open the new Alt Valley Skills Centre, part of the impressive Croxteth Communiversity - in Wayne Rooney's former stomping ground.

Councillor Joan Lang said: "I was delighted to be invited to help launch this new centre - it's a fantastic learning environment which will be a great asset to the Alt Valley community. It offers first-rate facilities and the heavy demand for its courses shows just how popular it is already."

Coleen added: "I grew up around here and I think it's a fantastic idea to set up the centre for young people in this community. It gives them a chance to do something interesting that is also really worthwhile career wise."

The skills centre is located on the site of the former St Swithin's Church at the Back of Gillmoss Lane, Croxteth. It will offer work-related training for 14-19 year olds in the Alt Valley area. 

Phil Knibb, director of Alt Valley Community Trust which runs the Communiversity, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for all young people in the area. It's the first purpose-built skills centre for people aged 14-19 in Liverpool.

"It is a resurrection of the old technical colleges and is a result of a great partnership with Liverpool City Council, the government and Archdiocese who supported the Trust through the building process."

The skills centre cost over £2 million with £1.5 million funding from the European Regional Development Fund. A further £300,000 grant and £700,000 loan was provided Futurebuilders.

John Outram, Alt Valley neighbourhood manager, said "The Skills Centre will be an excellent resource. It restores a local landmark building and will equip trainees with skills which are very much in demand."

Everton FC Star James Beattie is also expected to attend the launch at noon on Friday 6 October 2006.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Peter Elliott on (0151) 225-3261 / 07715-000504 or [email protected]