Warrington South’s bid for the second round of Levelling Up funding will include a £multi-million replacement for Broomfields Leisure Centre, it has been confirmed. The bid was endorsed by local MP Andy Carter, who has pushed for appropriate funds to be allocated to rebuild the 1970s-era facility, which has fallen into serious disrepair over the years.
The proposals for the much-needed modernisation of Broomfields will completely transform the layout, design and fittings of the current building into a new inviting health and wellbeing centre. Delivered as part of this will be a new, high quality swimming pool designed to the latest accessibility standards, a new ‘changing village’ to free up space for other services and improve user experience, two new studio spaces to allow additional classes to be offered at the centre, a new fitness suite to replace the first floor gym, and additional storage and staff areas. The recently refurbished gymnasium will be retained but the outside will be clad to match the rest of the centre.
The Warrington South application for Levelling Up funding also allocates £11.1million for an inclusive sports centre, changing facilities for amateur clubs and 3G pitch in Victoria Park, and £3.4million for a new Centre for the Performing Arts in Lymm, the first purpose built space in South Warrington which will be accessible by schools and the wider community. This comes alongside a £19.5million Transport bid to provide 7.5km of quality cycle routes along an east-west corridor across the town.
Commenting on Warrington South’s bid submission, Andy Carter MP said: “I’ve worked closely with Warrington Borough Council to prioritise Broomfields Leisure Centre in our submission for Levelling Up Funding. Sadly, the condition of the building has been allowed to deteriorate to the point where parts of it have had to be closed as it simply can’t operate safely. In order to progress the plans at speed we’ve moved forward with a plan to re-build on the existing site, I want to see action to improve facilities for local people as soon as practically possible.
“Earlier today, I gave my support to our Levelling Up bid which will address this and other projects in the town. Given the age and condition of the building, over £9million will be allocated to demolish and re-build the pool and fitness suites. 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 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.”
The application made by Warrington Borough Council totals nearly £50million for projects in Warrington South constituency. The second round of the Government’s £4.8billion Levelling Up Fund will distribute further funding to infrastructure projects that aim to improve everyday life for people across the United Kingdom, including by investing in town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport and investing in leisure, cultural and heritage assets.
