Cllr Tony Higgins
WARRINGTON’S new community hub facility for Bewsey and Dallam will include a dual-use learner and hydro-therapy pool thanks to funding from Sport England and the Better Care Fund.
The new hub is one of many developments being spearheaded by the borough council and partners through the Delivering Wellbeing in Bewsey and Dallam initiative.
The community pool will be developed with £450,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Improvement Fund and £350,000 in capital funding from Warrington Borough Council and NHS Warrington Clinic Commissioning Group via the Better Care Fund.
The grants come after LiveWire received funding from Sport England’s Community Activation Fund in 2014 for a three year programme to provide Bewsey and Dallam residents with easy access to a range of different sport and exercise sessions.
One of the most popular and successful sessions has involved transporting families from Bewsey and Dallam to other swimming pools across the town.
Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “We are thrilled to have secured funding from Sport England and the Better Care Fund to allow us to provide a dual-use community pool in The Hub.
“Our consultation exercises showed overwhelming support for a swimming pool in the area so it’s fantastic to be able to provide residents with facilities they need.”
The £2.4 million integrated facility on Longshaw Street will also bring a range of much-needed services to the area including a fitness suite, health care services, community spaces and a smart library when it opens in summer next year.
Cllr Tony Higgins, the council’s member for leisure, community and culture said: “This great new facility is being developed thanks to co-ordinated work led by the borough Council, Golden Gates Housing and LiveWire.
“The Hub will make a real difference to the Bewsey and Dallam areas and will bring together services in one place that will make a real difference to the lives of people in the area and beyond.
“It builds on investment the council, and partners, have already made in Bewsey and Dallam – including a new games area and football pitches on Dallam Playing Fields, investment into Bewsey Meadows and a new play area adjacent to St Marks. It also links to the planned investment in Harrison Square and the Harrison Centre, along with proposed improvements to
Hawleys Lane Junction and Longshaw Street.”
Dr Andy Davies, chief clinical officer at NHS Warrington CCG, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of local people is one of our key priorities and we are really pleased to be able to support this investment through the Better Care Fund. The Hub is going to be of real benefit to local people and will clearly make a difference to their lives.”
The Hub is one of 19 projects across England to share in £6.5 million of National Lottery investment from the latest round of funding, which is helping refurbish sports facilities.
