Warrington set for new £16m community hub

Plans have been approved for a new £16m leisure, health and cultural facility in Warrington.

The proposal from community interest company LiveWire to revamp the town’s Great Sankey Leisure Centre was given the go-ahead by Warrington Borough Council on Wednesday (August 5), with councillors voting in unanimous favour for the project.

LiveWire’s MD, Jan Souness, said: “This new neighbourhood hub will make a real difference to the lives of people in west Warrington by allowing them to access leisure, health and cultural services all under one roof.”

The new centre will include swimming pools, a fitness facility, tennis courts, a sports hall and a 3G pitch, as well as a cafe, library, spa and GP surgeries. Construction will start later in 2015, with the development’s first phase expected to open in August next year.

Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member of leisure, community and culture, Cllr Kate Hannon, commented: “This facility will be a major boost for west Warrington and will help us achieve our vision for a healthier, happier and more active population.

“It is the product of a concerted multi-agency approach and has had the enthusiastic input and support of Warrington west residents.”

Services at the site will be delivered by LiveWire, the NHS, Warrington Borough Council, Culture Warrington, Health Plus and Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group.