A much-loved sports hub in Merseyside faces imminent destruction despite local residents' fundraising efforts to save it.
The former Woodchurch Leisure Centre in Wirral, which served the area for over six decades, will be razed in the coming months following an unsuccessful takeover bid.
The facility shut permanently in 2022, prompting campaigners to launch a rescue effort that amassed over £83,000.
However, their proposal to assume control of the building ultimately failed, and authorities proceeded with demolition plans.
The funds collected during the campaign have since been distributed amongst various community organisations in the area.
Wirral Council, grappling with £20million in budget reductions, had been heavily subsidising the centre before its closure.
The venue recorded the lowest visitor numbers among the authority's leisure facilities when it ceased operations.
Council members approved the demolition in 2023, anticipating savings of £402,000.
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A much-loved sports hub in Merseyside faces imminent destruction despite local residents' fundraising efforts to save it
|The decision aimed to create space for expanded outdoor recreational facilities.
Since closing, the vacant building has been the victim of criminal damage, despite the council investing £40,000 in security measures.
Thieves have stripped copper piping and electrical wiring from the premises.
The structure contains hazardous asbestos materials, creating additional health concerns should intruders disturb these toxic substances.
The former Woodchurch Leisure Centre in Wirral has served the area for over six decades
|J Freeley Ltd has secured two contracts totalling over £1.3million to carry out the work.
The first agreement, valued at £641,434.50, covers the removal of hazardous asbestos over a seven-week period.
A second contract worth £659,949.32 will see the complete destruction and site clearance completed within twelve weeks.
The council's capital budget will cover these expenses.
The former Woodchurch Leisure Centre in Wirral will be razed in the coming months following an unsuccessful takeover bid
|Once the building disappears, the authority expects to save £48,000 annually.
Officials described the demolition as a "last resort due to the impact on climate and environment" but deemed it necessary given the extensive vandalism and safety risks posed by the derelict structure.
The site will be transformed into a community sports hub featuring two new artificial grass pitches alongside other outdoor sporting amenities.
This redevelopment forms part of broader regeneration plans for the area.
Woodchurch recently secured £20million in government funding to be allocated over the next 10 years.
The facility shut permanently in 2022
|The investment forms part of a wider initiative that will also benefit Seacombe and central Birkenhead, with each area receiving identical funding amounts.
The council maintains that developing outdoor leisure provision will better serve residents than attempting to restore the deteriorating indoor facility, which would have required substantial and expensive renovations to meet modern standards.
Explaining the decision to demolish the centre, a council report said: "Despite best endeavours, vandals and trespassers have been able to access the building, causing extensive damage with most of the copper pipework and electric cabling being removed.
"A further risk is the known presence of asbestos within the building and whilst none has been found to be damaged or disturbed, its very presence poses a health risk should the asbestos be wilfully and unlawfully disturbed.
"The demolition of the building is a last resort due to the impact on climate and environment."
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