Warrington South has submitted its bid for the next round of Levelling Up funding from the Government. As the constituency’s MP, Andy Carter has been working closely with Warrington Borough Council and various groups to formulate the bid, which totals nearly £50million to regenerate the town and local services.
As part of the bid, £11.1million would be allocated for new facilities at Victoria Park in Latchford to improve accessibility and expand on existing sport offered on the site. An inclusive sports centre will provide an indoor wheelchair sports hall which will be at a size to even accommodate Rugby League – the only dedicated such pitch in the North West – alongside a new hockey-compatible astro pitch and changing rooms.
Another crucial aspect of the bid is £9.3million to re-build Broomfield’s Leisure Centre. The 1970s-era facility has fallen into serious disrepair over the years, and is in urgent need of funding to demolish and replace the majority of the building which is currently unsafe to operate in its current condition. The modernisation would bring about a complete transformation of the layout, design and fittings to turn the current building into a high-quality, inviting health and wellbeing centre with a new swimming pool, ‘changing village’, studio and fitness suites.
Also included is £3.4million for a new, purpose-built facility on the Lymm High School site, to be used by community groups from across Warrington South as well as all schools in the area. It would have a large, professionally equipped performance hall able to host large events such as the Lymm Festival, school productions, dance shows, concerts, music gigs, and even touring companies and shows.
This all comes alongside a £19.5million Transport bid for Warrington to provide 7.5km of quality cycle routes along an east-west corridor across the town.
Andy Carter MP said: “I want to thank everyone who’s been involved in working so hard to bring together our submission to the second round of the Levelling Up Fund. We’ve put together an incredibly strong bid which will transform the range of facilities on offer in sports, leisure, arts and transport.
“Over £9million will be allocated to demolish and re-build the pool and fitness suites at Broomfield’s Leisure Centre. Our bid will also fund a new multi-use inclusive sports complex in Victoria Park in Latchford, including a further 3G sports pitch and changing facilities for local junior teams as well as an indoor centre. I’m also pleased to have worked so closely with Kieran Walsh and the Lymm Performing Arts Group to pull together a strong case for boosting arts and culture in Warrington South.
“I am also keen to ensure the applications helps to improve facilities for local youth groups, voluntary organisations and community groups that play such an important role in our local area. I look forward to hearing later in the autumn on the success of our bid.”
