Inflation has left the Bronte community centre, located in the heart of Liverpool, struggling.
In 2024, The Bronte received a £3.4 million Youth Investment Fund grant to renovate the centre. However, due to rising costs, there is now a shortfall of £750,000 for the project.
The Bronte Big Build campaign is aiming to raise the money, to transform the historic building into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming space for children, young people and families in need.
As the only community centre in Liverpool’s city centre, the Bronte serves one of the most deprived areas in the country.
Beth Stewart, marketing assistant at The Bronte, said: “Having transformed the lives of more than 1,000 young people, we now face an urgent challenge.
“Without raising £750,000 through our Big Build campaign, we risk immediate closure.
“Our goal is to raise funds for a full remodel of our first-floor space, creating additional community benefits.
“The Big Build will establish a flexible office rental space, helping The Bronte generate its own income and become fully self-sustaining.
“We’re also installing a commercial kitchen and café to provide professional catering services for over 100 guests, alongside solar panels to lower operational costs and secure the long-term future of our much-loved centre.”
The campaign has been backed by Liverpool football legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler, boxing superstar Tony Bellew and Bronte’s patron, DJ Lee Butler.
The Bronte is appealing to the community, businesses and supporters across the city to help raise funds.
Laura Cain, centre manager, said: “This really is the stuff of dreams for the Bronte and our Community.
“Over the years, I watched as my mum struggled, year after year to raise funds and fight to keep the Bronte alive.
“This renovation work on our building is beyond anything we could have envisaged for the Bronte, and the impact it is going to have on our young people and not only the local, but wider community, is immeasurable.
“I am so excited, proud and privileged to be a part of this, and to see the Bronte thrive once again.”
On Saturday 1 March, the centre will host the Bronte Big Build Fundraiser at MacKenzie’s Whisky Bar, Rodney Street.
Beth said: “To keep our fundraising community-focused and accessible, we’ve chosen MacKenzies, just a 10-minute walk from The Bronte, as the venue for our music fundraiser.
“One of our trustees, a former Bronte sessional worker, owns MacKenzies, making it a fitting choice.
“This fundraiser is a real opportunity for our community and city of Liverpool to become involved and make a direct impact.”
To support the Bronte community centre, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/brontebigbuild
