Bibby brothers fund youth club revamp
Independent architecture practice, Paddock Johnson Partnership, has completed a £500,000 refurbishment of Birkenhead Youth Club, started by Sir Derek Bibby in 1956.
The project involved ground floor and external refurbishment of the club on Watson Street. The new facilities include two new all-weather synthetic outdoor pitches with flood-lighting and, internally, a full refurbishment of the changing facilities, a new reception area, a modern café space and an educational IT suite with 10 stations.
Eric Johnson, partner at PJP, based in Port Sunlight, said: "The specification was specifically focused on providing high-quality, robust and overall contemporary fittings. The front and side elevations were completely remodelled to include signage features and a new canopy, marking the main Watson Street entrance. Sliding automatic doors were installed in the main entrance to provide full disabled access, and internally all the specification was geared around providing full DDA accommodation."
The project was commissioned by brothers Geoffrey and Peter Bibby and partly funded by the Bibby shipping family.
Since re-opening, the number of young people attending each evening has doubled to in excess of 100.
The contractor for the project was Read Construction Holdings and the quantity surveyors were Redfearn, Morrison & Thomas.
When I was a kid I lived in everton, 50s early 60s I use to go the Rydal youth club and it was funded by Bibby’s shipping , one night a gentleman came in and some one that’s David Bibby owns Bibby shipping line, many years later I was coaching at Birkenhead boys club, and this gentleman came in went to the room and began sandpapering canoes AGAIN some one said that’s sir David Bibby shipping owner I said well what a coincidence I first seen him in the Rydal club everton many many years ago, just then a lady came in told him off and said to get home, I presume it was his wife, really nice man,
By Anthony collins