Councillors are set to approve the demolition of a leisure centre for a new housing project.
- Halton Council is expected to allocate £750,000 for demolishing the Kingsway Leisure Centre.
- A new leisure facility on Moor Lane is nearing completion, replacing the outdated Kingsway structure.
- The redevelopment aims to create a residential area with accommodation for the elderly.
- The project also offers apprenticeships through a collaboration with Riverside College.
Councillors are poised to authorise the demolition of the Kingsway Leisure Centre, paving the way for a new housing initiative that includes accommodation for the elderly. During a forthcoming meeting, Halton Council members are likely to endorse the allocation of £750,000 to fund the demolition process, in preparation for marketing the site to developers.
The outdated Kingsway Leisure Centre, originally constructed in the 1970s and extended in the 1980s, has been deemed redundant. It is set to be replaced by a state-of-the-art leisure facility being developed on Moor Lane, with an expected opening next spring.
The ‘Kingsway Quarter’ redevelopment project aims to transform the area into a predominantly residential zone, integrating specially designed accommodation for elderly residents to improve access to the town centre. This initiative will also encompass the sites of the former law courts, police station, and Broseley House, all of which have been vacated.
The council’s plans include a collaboration with Riverside College, providing apprenticeships and opportunities for students to engage in the project, thereby fostering education and skills development.
According to an official report, the demolition is crucial to the comprehensive redevelopment of the site. It is noted that this move “unlocks the final parcel of land required to enable disposal of Kingsway Quarter for comprehensive redevelopment.” The report highlights that the lands have been assembled since the Ministry of Justice closed the law courts in 2011. A new police station has already been established on Gerrard Street, and the Moor Lane leisure centre represents a significant £29 million investment.
Funding for the demolition will be sourced from capital cash, designated for construction and infrastructure projects rather than council services. If approved, demolition activities could commence by next spring, with the council emphasising the urgency to prevent antisocial behaviour at the vacated site. Any postponement could potentially lead to delays in the site’s marketing and potential redevelopment.
The proposed demolition and redevelopment signify a pivotal transformation for the Kingsway area, aligning housing growth with community amenities.
