Halton Council is preparing to approve a £750,000 plan for the demolition of Kingsway Leisure Centre.
- The proposal aims to make room for a new residential development, including elderly accommodation.
- The site is part of a larger redevelopment plan known as the ‘Kingsway Quarter’.
- A new leisure facility will replace the outdated Kingsway at Moor Lane, opening next spring.
- Stakeholders express concerns about delaying demolition could lead to antisocial behaviour.
Halton Council members are anticipated to authorise a £750,000 allocation for the demolition of the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes. This initiative is designed to facilitate the marketing of the site to developers for conversion into a residential area featuring accommodations for the elderly.
The demolition of the leisure centre is a strategic component of the broader Kingsway Quarter redevelopment project. This plan encompasses not only the centre itself but also adjacent plots vacated by the law courts, police station, and Broseley House, all of which have been under council purview following various relocations and closures since 2011.
A new facility on Moor Lane, set to open next spring, underscores the council’s vision to update community resources, with the outdated structure of the Kingsway Leisure Centre, originally built in the 1970s and expanded in the 1980s, now rendered redundant.
The council intends to collaborate with Riverside College, offering apprentices and students the opportunity to participate in this development project, thereby enriching educational and professional growth within the community.
According to an official report, immediate initiation of demolition and site clearance is essential to prevent potential antisocial behaviour. Expedited action is imperative to mitigate risks and ensure the site proceeds to market without unnecessary delay.
The planned demolition marks a pivotal step in Halton Council’s strategy for urban renewal, fostering both community development and economic growth.
