Built by a former Mayor of Liverpool, the Florence Institute, or Florrie, is the UK's earliest example of a boys recreational youth club. It survived the Second World War, but the copper dome was removed and the building was later damaged by arson and left derelict. A community group fought passionately over many years to rescue the Florrie from dereliction, and commissioned Purcell to restore the building for multi-functional community uses. Purcell led on multiple funding and planning applications including a feasibility study with funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, a project planning grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Initial work included a conservation management plan which helped establish the national significance of the building. Substantial grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and European Regional Development Fund were also secured. The building was restored and converted for modern use and a significant amount of the historic fabric was maintained as part of the rebuild. Youth facilities remain central to the ethos of the Florrie. The flexible building plan allows for uses that echo the buildings original incarnation, providing community uses such as boxing and gym facilities, a café, crèche, managed workspace and a large performance area. Purcell applied a range of sustainable first principles which earned the building a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating.