Story Highlight
– Replacement gym equipment approved for four leisure centres.
– Priority given to Guinea Gap and West Kirby centres.
– Expected income increase of £320,000 annually.
– Outdated equipment poses health and safety risks.
– Outsourcing Wirral Watersports Centre receives public support.
Full Story
Local authority leaders have sanctioned a major investment plan aimed at upgrading gym facilities across four leisure centres, with an estimated expenditure of approximately £300,000 per year over the next three years. The primary focus will be on the Guinea Gap and West Kirby centres, which have been identified as requiring urgent attention.
According to officials from Wirral Council, the decision comes in response to pressing health and safety considerations, coupled with substantial user demand for fitness services. A council spokesperson stated that “The age and condition of the equipment being well beyond its economic life is creating a significant health and safety risk,” complicating the authority’s ability to safely manage potential user injuries.
This initiative is anticipated to bolster the council’s revenue, projecting an annual income increase of around £320,000, which will help offset the costs associated with leasing the new equipment. Additionally, the council estimates a decrease in maintenance expenses by approximately £80,000, further alleviating budgetary pressures.
Currently, the council boasts about 12,800 subscribers to its sports services, approximately 70% of whom actively utilise gym facilities. These subscriptions contribute significantly to local finances, generating around £4 million annually.
At Guinea Gap, the existing gym apparatus has been described as outdated, with numerous safety issues raised. An officer decision notice highlighted the urgent need for replacement, stating, “Continuing to operate with this outdated equipment poses significant risks to both users and staff, potentially leading to injury or service disruption.” The notice also emphasised the need for immediate remedial action to align with health and safety regulations and to preserve public trust in the amenities.
Meanwhile, at West Kirby, the facility is facing similar challenges as its equipment ages, leading to rising maintenance costs. The concourse leisure centre represents the most frequented gym within the council’s facilities, serving 2,409 active members. The council underscored the necessity of providing “high-quality, reliable equipment to meet user expectations” in order to remain aligned with broader council objectives. The equipment upgrades, complemented by additional space following the planned closure of a creche, are intended to ensure consistent service while enhancing overall user satisfaction and loyalty.
In addition to the upgrades at Guinea Gap and West Kirby, enhancements are also slated for the Oval Leisure Centre in Bebington and Leasowe Leisure Centre, where operational equipment is no longer under warranty.
In a related move, the council has opted to outsource the management of the Wirral Watersports Centre, situated at West Kirby marine lake. This decision, which followed a public consultation revealing nearly 60% support for outsourcing, aims to facilitate savings of £1 million in leisure services.
Recent market analysis performed by the council has indicated a strong level of interest from various local, regional, and national organisations in managing the centre, leading to the establishment of a dedicated project team charged with further developing this outsourcing strategy.
Wirral Council’s proactive steps to enhance its leisure facilities and streamline services are notable reflections of a commitment to meet public health and safety standards while fostering an environment conducive to physical activity within the community. The initiative aims to rejuvenate the local fitness landscape, ensuring residents have access to modern, safe, and reliable gym facilities.
This is a sensible and necessary decision. Replacing worn equipment at Guinea Gap and West Kirby will reduce the likelihood of mechanical failures and injuries, lower maintenance demands, and ensure safe access to fitness facilities for all users. Investing in modern, well maintained kit also supports better user experience and can help boost regular attendance, which explains the projected revenue uplift. Outsourcing the watersports centre could deliver savings and improved specialist management if contracts specify clear performance and safety standards and include robust oversight. It will be important that procurement and contractor arrangements require regular inspections, rapid rectification of faults, routine servicing schedules, and accessible reporting routes so health and safety responsibilities remain explicit and enforced.