URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6097

Decision Maker: Director of Finance

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The removal of asbestos and demolition of Woodchurch Leisure Centre.

Content: The Director of Finance has approved the award to J Freeley Ltd (Company Number 01719179) via Procure Partnerships PCR 2015 Compliant Framework North West £50,000 to £1,000,000 Demolition Parties Lot of:   (1)  A Contract for asbestos removal from Woodchurch Leisure Centre, Carr Bridge Road, Woodchurch (Woodchurch Leisure Centre) of a contract value of £641,434.50 with a 7-week term; and   (2)  A contract for demolition of Woodchurch Leisure Centre and site clearance, of a contract value of £659,949.32 with a 12-week contract term.   Woodchurch Leisure centre was built and opened in the 1960’s. It was a “building of its time” in terms of construction methods and is now over 60 years old and at the end of its economic life. It has received limited maintenance over the past few years due to the Council’s financial position. It is a costly building to run and maintain due to its condition and layout. The customer base and usage of the facility had also declined significantly in recent years, compounding the subsidy required by the Council to sustain its operation. It was the least used of all Council Leisure Centres. The building was closed during the Covid pandemic and then permanently closed as part of the 2022/23 Budget process.   Members then decided to explore a Community Asset Transfer of the building with two potential interested parties. A report to Policy and Resources Committee of 21 November 2023 provides the background to this process. Unfortunately, neither of the proposals were viable and so, the Committee decided, having exhausted all the possible options, to demolish the building as there was no future use for it. During this time, the building was subjected to significant vandalism, and this increased the costs to bring it back into use and further impacted negatively of the viability of transferring it.   The Council has recently worked with the Football Foundation to construct a super-sized artificial grass pitch on the former running track at the leisure centre along with a Pavilion and car parking facilities. 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 and help to meet the increasing demand for such facilities as identified in the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy and Active Wirral Strategy. Providing such facilities will also support implementation of the Council’s Local Plan.   The retention of the building as a leisure centre has been excluded as the cost to refurbish the building to current standards is excessive. The building has fallen into disrepair and has an unsightly appearance. The ongoing repair and maintenance costs along with the building check costs will continually increase.   An asset transfer of the building has been fully explored but is not possible for viability reasons.   

Date of Decision: September 30, 2025