Liverpool is the only city in the country to have secured two significant capital investments out of 6 successful bids from The Social Investment Business. The Reader Organisation and Squash Nutrition have between them secured over £750,000 in funding to develop two unique and inspiring projects – The Story Barn and Toxteth Food Central.
The Reader Organisation’s funds will transform the Grade 2 listed Barn and stable area of Calderstones Mansion within Calderstones Park into an interactive Story Barn, bringing literature to life and encouraging reading for pleasure amongst young people and the wider community within the heart of Calderstones.
The building will also host exciting exhibitions from children’s authors and illustrators, whilst a permanent interactive space will allow visitors to explore and play with literary adventures. These spaces will also be available to hire for celebrations whilst hosting ongoing events and festivals from The Reader Organisation. Families will be able to purchase the latest and greatest in children’s stories from the children’s bookshop, whilst also being able to pick up interactive maps helping families explore the surrounding parklands on bug hunts and environmental trails.
Meanwhile, the grant will enable Squash Nutrition to purchase and develop derelict land in Toxteth and transform it into an eco-building and integrated food garden. Toxteth Food Central will be home to an urban food shop and community cafe and will deliver innovative food services, training and events. Founded in an ethos of community cohesion and positive social impact, Toxteth Food Central will support food learning, promote good food culture, and share increased opportunities for health and wellbeing.
Local residents and members of the TFC Community Design team Linda Daley and Mo Harris said ‘We’re really excited about TFC – our chance to turn a wasteland in to something really positive – a tremendous food growing and cooking resource for the whole community!’