A £1million scheme will transform one of Southport’s most historic buildings, creating 75 new jobs.
Tech entrepreneur Matthew Townson has revealed his vision of redeveloping The Cloisters building in Southport, formerly Christ Church School.
The former Victorian school, most recently occupied by Taskers Sports, will be divided into two units – one for a new health and wellbeing centre, and the other to house Mr Townson’s Techedia firm.
Techedia, which specialises in IT in the professional services sector, will move from its Crosby base where it has experienced year on year growth since its formation in 2013.
Mr Townson, who hails from Southport, hopes to more than double the size of Techedia and create around 75 jobs recruiting from the town’s schools and colleges which he once attended.
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Mr Townson acquired the 6,000sq ft Cloisters building, which also has a large rooftop terrace that was once a playground, this year, and said he will spend over £1million on the scheme.
He said: “As a proud Sandgrounder, I am grateful for the opportunity to bring such an important building in the town back to life after being empty for three years.
“We are keen to attract local people to work in the building and perhaps more importantly retain that talent, which in the past has moved elsewhere, as well as help fuel the local economy.
“Sefton Council has been extremely supportive and we’re continuing to work with them to ensure the building is not only eco-friendly but also provides services and activities for local people focusing on health, wellness and wellbeing.”
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council with work expected to begin early next year.
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