Broken windows, decayed floorboards, and pigeon nests turned the three-storey house into an eyesore and led to its closure in 2004.
Seven years ago, former sailor Jantan Lisot took it upon himself to restore the house to its former glory.
Jantan said he could not bear to see the house reduced to just its frame, with no windows or roof, and further damaged by scrap collectors stripping it for copper piping.
“The water pipes were broken off and taken. As a result, water would constantly drip or leak, making the house damp,” he told FMT.
Jantan was determined to restore the house as he felt that the ties among the Malaysian community in Liverpool had weakened, resulting in two former Muslim sailors being cremated, contrary to Islamic rites, as their remains were not claimed by their next of kin.
“At the time, this house was closed. So, the authorities couldn’t find anyone who was associated with them. That’s what was so sad,” he said.
A club, then a home
The house was originally purchased in 1962 for £1,700, a considerable sum at the time, by a community of Malay sailors who wanted a home away from home in Liverpool.
Initially known as the Malay Club and later as the Malaysian and Singapore Association, it offered a place for up to 300 sailors to gather and rest, especially those employed by the Blue Funnel Line, a major British shipping company in the mid-20th century.
However, as its original patrons aged, the house fell into disrepair.
Restoration effort
Jantan, now 75 and working as a chef at a local fish and chips shop, has invested nearly £4,000 of his money in restoring the building, personally cleaning and repairing it with the help of willing Malaysians in the area.
With a city council grant of £25,000 (RM132,000) and donations from generous Malaysians, the house has been transformed into a community centre that welcomes Malaysians from all walks of life, regardless of whether they are students, families or former sailors.
The house now has a living room for Malaysians to gather, a kitchen, surau sections for men and women, toilets, and two bedrooms for those who need a temporary place to stay.
Since its official reopening in January, the house has hosted Ramadan bazaars, group Quran recitals, and terawih prayers.
Raya joy
Jantan said the house would be hosting Hari Raya celebrations on April 13, where the community would gather and share Malaysian food.
“There will be nasi minyak, nasi tomato and curry. Usually, the youth will make chicken and goat satay, and there’s always all kinds of laksa like Penang laksa and Sarawak laksa,” Jantan said.
But beyond the festive celebrations, Jantan hopes to organise Malay language and Islamic classes for Malaysian children who are being raised in Liverpool.
“I’ve noticed that many Malaysian children here struggle with the national language and have forgotten how to speak it. We are concerned about preserving the cultural identity of the children, which is why we need to offer Malay language classes,” he said.
Fears for its future
Jantan said while he is happy that the house is finally in good condition, he worries about its future.
“One day I will pass on and I don’t know what will become of the house. This house is a freehold property, meaning we can hold it indefinitely.
“But if the future caretakers are not careful or prioritise themselves over the house, then this house will eventually be destroyed, as has happened before. That is what truly scares me.”