South Warrington Councillors reaffirm commitment to Broomfields Leisure Centre as national funding efforts continue

South Warrington’s Liberal Democrat councillors have reaffirmed their determination to secure the future of Broomfields Leisure Centre, the only public leisure facility serving the area, amid ongoing national funding efforts led by local MP Sarah Hall.

Built in the early 1970s and long at the heart of the community, Broomfields Leisure Centre has for years been in a deteriorating condition despite vital work carried out by its dedicated staff. Successive council administrations have made promises of investment, yet only minimal repairs have been carried out, leading to what local councillors describe as a ‘sticking plaster approach’.

We all know the dreadful state of the only leisure centre in Warrington south of the Ship Canal, said Cllr Sharon Harris. When I first became a councillor, I raised concerns with the then portfolio holder, who repeatedly assured me that Broomfields was the next in line for improvement. Yet years on, only essential repairs have been made.

Over the past year, South Warrington Liberal Democrat councillors have held regular meetings with the portfolio holders for leisure services, to explore options for improving or replacing the centre. A number of potential approaches have now been identified. The preferred option, securing national funding for a major redevelopment, has been championed by Sarah Hall MP, who recently raised the issue in Parliament.

We’re delighted that Sarah Hall is giving this the national platform it needs, said Cllr Judith Wheeler. Her intervention in Parliament has brought attention to how urgently South Warrington needs a modern, accessible leisure facility.

Cllr Helen Speed added: We are absolutely committed to ensuring that Broomfields does not close. If national funding cannot be secured in the short term, we will insist that local developer contributions are used to make urgent and meaningful improvements – and we’ll continue pressing for longer-term investment.

Broomfields' future is especially urgent in light of the financial pressures facing Warrington Borough Council and the appointment of government Envoys to oversee its financial recovery.

Cllr Laura Booth said: This is about fairness. Every resident in Warrington deserves access to decent leisure and wellbeing facilities – and South Warrington has waited long enough.

The councillors have called for the development of a detailed Business Case to support funding bids, demonstrating Broomfields’ vital role in promoting health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.

Cllr Matt Scott concluded: We won’t let this drop. Broomfields is a critical facility for our area, and we will fight to ensure it’s protected, improved, and eventually replaced with something fit for the future.

The South Warrington Liberal Democrat team – Cllrs Harris, Wheeler, Speed, Booth, Browne, Scott, and Walker – will continue to campaign with residents, council officers, and Sarah Hall MP until a long-term solution is secured.