£300k helping hand for Rhys Jones project

Nov 8 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAJOR Liverpool developer has given a major boost to the campaign to build a community centre in memory of murdered 11-year-old Rhys Jones, by offering to project-manage the scheme for free.

Neptune Developments’ managing director, Steve Parry, said he was so moved by the youngster’s tragic death that he wanted to offer his professional service and expertise to help build a fitting tribute to the young Everton fan.

After liaising with local councillors and organisers of the Rhys Jones Memorial Fund, Mr Parry – whose company, based in Queen Square, is one of the largest developers in the city – has recruited other major players to the cause, who have also vowed to offer their professional services for free.

Campaign trustees estimate they need to raise £1m to build the community centre in Croxteth Park, where Rhys was shot dead on August 22.

In offering his and his contacts’ services for free, Croxteth councillor Phil Moffatt said Mr Parry has saved the fund in the region of £300,000.

Fund trustees last night said this was a major step forward in realising the goal of providing a safe place for children in the area.

Mr Parry said: “This tragic event has touched many people within Liverpool and farther afield.

“When I saw what the community and their leaders where trying to achieve, I knew that we could help them deliver on this project by volunteering our services free of charge.

“We will do what we can to help realise plans for this memorial centre and use all the skills and contacts at our disposal to further this goal.”

Cllr Moffatt said, after entering into negotiations with Neptune, they were enabled to secure the services of a host of professionals from architects to engineers.

Cllr Moffatt said: “This is a tremendous boost for the Rhys Jones project. I am delighted that Neptune Developments have been able to bring the best in the business together, in order to assist us in Croxteth.

“We are encouraged by the level of support which we have witnessed not only in our own area but across the city also.

“As ward councillors it’s up to us to make this happen, and by the grace of God we will.

Fellow ward Cllr Nadia Stewart said: “The community is determined to provide a fitting tribute to Rhys.

“The assistance which we will receive from Neptune will mean that the community centre is not only achievable, but definite.”

Dave Saville, chair of Croxteth Park Residents’ Association, said:

“It is great to see that people will support us on this and we are getting this invaluable expertise for free.”

carolineinnes@dailypost.co.uk