Wirral Council has confirmed plans for the demolition of the former Woodchurch Leisure Centre, a community facility that closed permanently in 2022. Contracts totaling over £1.3 million have been awarded for asbestos removal and the complete leveling of the 60-year-old site, paving the way for potential new outdoor sports facilities.
The decision follows years of debate over the building's future, including an unsuccessful community bid to save the centre. The council cited significant repair costs, low usage, and persistent vandalism as key factors in the final decision to clear the site for future regeneration.
Key Takeaways
- Wirral Council has awarded contracts worth over £1.3 million to demolish the Woodchurch Leisure Centre.
- The process includes a seven-week asbestos removal phase followed by a 12-week demolition period.
- The centre was permanently closed in 2022 as part of council budget cuts, saving an initial £402,000 annually.
- Future plans for the site include the potential construction of a community sports hub with artificial grass pitches.
- The demolition is linked to a wider £20 million government regeneration fund allocated to the Woodchurch area.
Contracts Awarded for Demolition Project
Wirral Council has formalized the demolition of the Woodchurch Leisure Centre by awarding two significant contracts to J Freeley Ltd. The total value of these contracts exceeds £1.3 million, outlining a two-phase approach to clearing the site.
The first contract, valued at £641,434.50, is for the critical task of removing asbestos from the aging structure. This specialized work is scheduled to take approximately seven weeks. According to council documents, the presence of asbestos poses a health risk, particularly given the frequent trespassing and vandalism at the vacant property.
Following the asbestos abatement, a second contract for £659,949.32 will cover the full demolition of the building and the clearing of the site. This phase is expected to last 12 weeks. The demolition costs will be funded from the council's capital budget.
Demolition Costs by the Numbers
- Asbestos Removal: £641,434.50 (7 weeks)
- Demolition & Site Clearance: £659,949.32 (12 weeks)
- Total Contract Value: Over £1.3 million
- Annual Savings Post-Demolition: £48,000 (from security costs)
A Timeline of Closure and Community Efforts
The path to demolition began nearly three years ago when Wirral Council passed significant budget cuts. The Woodchurch Leisure Centre, which was heavily subsidized and required substantial investment for repairs, was identified for closure to save the council £402,000 per year.
Before its closure in 2022, the facility was reported to be the least used of all council-run leisure centres in the borough. Its permanent closure sparked a considerable response from the local community.
The Fight to Save the Centre
In the wake of the closure announcement, a determined community group launched a bid to take over the facility's operation. Supporters rallied to raise more than £83,000 in an effort to preserve the local hub. Despite this significant fundraising campaign and widespread local support, the community bid was ultimately unsuccessful.
The funds raised during the campaign were later redistributed to various local community groups, ensuring the money remained within the Woodchurch area to support other initiatives.
From Community Hub to Vacant Site
Since its closure, the 60-year-old building has fallen into disrepair. With little maintenance, it has become a target for vandalism and trespassing. A council report noted that extensive damage has been caused, including the removal of most copper pipework and electrical cabling. The council has spent £40,000 on security measures to try and secure the empty building before the decision to demolish was finalized.
Future Plans and Regeneration Funding
The demolition of the leisure centre is being framed by Wirral Council as a necessary step towards the regeneration of the Woodchurch area. The cleared land is earmarked for new outdoor sports and leisure provisions.
A council officer decision notice stated the objective clearly:
“There is an opportunity, following demolition of the leisure centre, to construct a further two artificial grass pitches on this site and / or additional alternative outdoor sports provision, which will form a community sports hub.”
This plan aligns with a broader government investment in the area. Woodchurch was recently announced as a recipient of £20 million in funding over the next decade as part of a national programme. Two other Wirral areas, Seacombe and central Birkenhead, are also receiving the same level of investment.
Community to Decide on Spending
A local board will be established in Woodchurch to oversee the allocation of the £20 million fund. The government has emphasized that communities will have a direct say in how the money is spent. This has given some local representatives hope that lost services can be restored.
Upton councillor Stephen Bennett previously commented on the opportunity this funding presents.
“This money will play an important role in bringing services to Woodchurch back. On the doorstep, the number one thing I hear is people want more facilities on the Woodchurch along with an improved transport plan. This will be the opportunity to make sure residents can help decide what our community needs.”
The council report acknowledged that demolition is a “last resort” due to its environmental impact. However, it concluded that the building's age and condition made it unsuitable for alternative use without major investment. The report stated the demolition would allow the site to be developed for “much needed regeneration of the Woodchurch area and supporting life chances of the area and helping health equalities.”