At full Council on 28 February, the following leisure facility changes were agreed and will come into effect on 1st April 2022:

Golf course closures

The full and permanent annual budget to operate Brackenwood and Hoylake Golf Courses will be removed from this date. This will also mean that the service will no longer have the budget for the maintenance of the courses. .

The sites will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

Preparation for Golf’s Open Championship 2023 will be dealt with separately through the established working group in reference to Hoylake Golf Course. .

Woodchurch Leisure Centre

The  budget to operate Woodchurch Leisure Centre will be removed from this date.  Therefore, the site will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

The initial proposal for demolition of the site will not be progressed whilst the community asset transfer process is underway, and any expressions of interest submitted and considered.

Europa Pools fun /leisure pool

The budget to operate the fun/ leisure pool at Europa Pools will be removed from this date. Therefore, the leisure pool will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre

The budget to operate the centre will be temporarily removed from this date. Therefore the site will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

The Council is planning to redesign the facility that will be able to cater for new, emerging sports and  the introduction of a broader range of activities for young people designed around getting active. We will also be looking to provide activities  that are in demand, such as gymnastics, an improved fitness suite offer and the addition of a second artificial grass football pitch. Indoor Tennis, Sports Hall outdoor football and outdoor tennis will still be available at the centre following its redevelopment.

 

Those sites and buildings that will be considered as surplus to the delivery of Council services following budget setting decisions and outcome of consultations, with the potential for community operation, would be selected for possible transfer to community groups.

A report was presented to the Policy and Resources Committee on 15 March which outlines  the process for community groups wishing to express an interest in taking on Council assets.

Further details will follow – More information can be found here