A former social club has been transformed into a hub which could see a town hit by a criminal gas explosion thrive once again.
The site of the old Bebington Liberal Club, on Bebington Road in New Ferry, Wirral, has now become the Vista Business Hub.
The company behind the hub, The Vista Group, said its goal is to boost trade in the town after it collapsed due to the blowing-up of a furniture store in March 2017.
The blast injured 81 people, destroyed six businesses and made 86 people homeless.
The most seriously injured victim was left with brain damage, facial fractures and life changing disabilities.
Pascal Blasio, who owned the furniture store Homes in Style, was convicted of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property and fraud involving an insurance claim.
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He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Now, after more than three-and-a-half years, the town’s regeneration is gathering momentum.
In September, Wirral Council passed plans at three sites in the town which will see up to 79 homes and more than 1,000 square metres of retail space delivered.
The new hub could be key to the town’s revival.
It boasts modern business facilities, such as co-working space, private offices, reflection areas, a meeting room and an events space for companies to hire.
The Vista Group said the building now offers a great deal to the local community and is open to anyone who needs a quiet space to work away from home, such as freelancers, sole traders or small businesses looking for a space of their own.
Another facility on offer at the hub is a training area which can hold events and conferences for up to 20 people. Regular networking events will be hosted when deemed safe by the government.
Ryan Williams, from The Vista Group, said: “We wanted to bring business back into the community after the explosion that rocked New Ferry and the renovation of The Bebington Liberal Club seemed like the perfect opportunity.”
To book a viewing of Vista Business Hub email admin@vista-hub.com or call 0151 644 8422.
