West Derby is one of the oldest settlements in Liverpool. The Elizabethan court house, the sixteenth century Yeoman's House and the site of Edward I's castle still occupy prominent sites in the middle of the community, together with St Mary's Church and Croxteth Hall - home of the former Earls of Sefton.

The Village Hall, built in 1909, was also at the centre of the community and a focal point for the people of West Derby and beyond. It was widely used by the people of St Mary’s Church and school and the wider community. But, it fell into disrepair and was sold in the 1990s.

The proceeds of that sale, approximately £230,000, together with the gift of land from St Mary’s Church valued at £60,000 was added to by the gifts and donations pledged by members of St Mary’s Church – in excess of £40,000!

St Mary’s Millennium Centre was researched and planned by the members of St Mary's Church for almost ten years. Then with a grant of £352,242 from the Millennium Commission, the Centre was built. It was opened with a Service of Dedication by the Bishop of Liverpool on 29th October 2000.

THE BIRTH OF ST MARY'S MILLENNIUM CENTRE!

The Centre has a variety of rooms with fully adaptable layouts and furniture to suit most occasions. Hire is from £9 per hour. There are rooms for small private meetings whilst the main hall can accommodate up to 110 persons. The centre boasts a full catering kitchen and buffets can be arranged for functions booked with us. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available for shorter meetings.

Wheelchair access is easily available via the front door to the Centre where there is also a toilet for the use of disabled people.

There is a magnificent closed courtyard......use of which can be included in a booking. The centre is currently used for Weightwatchers (two sessions), Aerobics, The International Friendship League, Cornerstone Quilters, and a cake decoration class. The Roy Castle Foundation (Fag Ends) and local Business and Residents' Associations are all regular users. St Mary’s Pram Club for mothers and toddlers and the Lunch Club meet weekly. St Mary’s Parish Office is located there on Wednesdays each week and the Dark Horse Venture charity is based there on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Regular uses for the Centre include: "Away Days", Interview facilities, Local Authority meetings, Blood Donor sessions, Local Housing Trust meetings, Staff Selection Days and Dog Obedience Classes.

The centre is a very popular venue for Children's Parties, Anniversaries, Christenings, and Day Time Buffets. Our list of users is continually growing. St Mary's Church organisations such as the Women's Fellowship hold their meetings and socials here.

The Centre is represented on the West Derby and Deysbrook Citysafe group and the monthly meetings are hosted in the Centre.

A wide variety of organisations use the Centre and bookings should be made as far ahead as possible.