£1.5 million neighbourhood hub given the green light

PLANS for a £1.5million neighbourhood hub development in Bewsey and Dallam has been given the green light by planners.

Councillors approved a planning application, submitted by neighbourhood wellbeing company LiveWire, to develop an integrated community facility on Longshaw Street.

Residents will benefit from a range of health and wellbeing facilities, including a fitness suite, ‘smart library’ and health care services. Additional facilities include a playground, recreation space and allotments, and much-need open space for the local community.

Warrington Council has committed £1million from its capital investment programme towards the development, with additional funding coming from newly formed housing group Torus and LiveWire.

Construction on the £1.5 million project is set to start later this year with the first phase opening in 2017. Phase one plans will see the fitness suite, studio, smart library, IT suites and rooms for community activities built within the three-storey building.

Subject to funding, plans for phase two include a learner hydro-therapy pool and an extra wing which will provide health care provision. If LiveWire manages to secure funding for phase two, the additions to the building will see a £2.7 million hub developed.

Residents are set to benefit from a range of services on offer within the community hub including a neighbourhood art and heritage offer, which will be provided by Culture Warrington and a job club and support to maximise family income from Warrington Borough Council.

Activities provided in the building would include supporting community groups, training volunteers, the Activator and Grey to Green programmes, cancer awareness using the iVan, a range of mental health training courses for residents and partners and one-to-one support from the wellbeing service.

The plans for the new facility have been created following overwhelming support from the local community with consultation taking place over several years.

A need for a community hub that focuses on health and wellbeing was clear in a recent survey which showed that residents in Bewsey and Dallam felt they needed more support and opportunities to access job vacancies, libraries and leisure facilities in their neighbourhoods. They also felt there was a need for more dentistry services within the area.

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire and Culture Warrington, said: “This facility will be a major boost for the areas of Bewsey and Dallam and will make a real difference to the lives of people that live there. For the first time, residents in the area will have access to an integrated wellbeing hub that provides a whole range of community activities on their doorstep.

“We’ve seen such an enthusiastic input to our consultation exercises which have showed an overwhelming need for a neighbourhood hub in the area. We also hope to further support the local community by employing local people to work at the centre when it opens next year.”

Cllr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, said: “The new facilities will be fantastic and make a real difference to the area of Bewsey and Dallam. We have listened to local residents about what was needed and its satisfying to know that the hub will become a reality as result.

“The council is proud to have brought on board LiveWire as the preferred partner for the project and is committed to the ongoing development of Bewsey and Dallam by providing £1 million of funding for the new hub from its capital investment programme as our vision is all about creating a place to be proud of, protecting and supporting vulnerable residents and building strong, active and resilient communities.”

Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “The hub will significantly benefit the areas of Dallam and Bewsey by providing residents with facilities, including a wide range of health and wellbeing services on their doorstep.

“Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy has shown that basing a range of services together in one building has a positive impact on a community, so I’m confident that this facility will help us meet our objective of ensuring Warrington residents lead healthy and happy lifestyles.”

Steve Moore, Torus growth director, said: “Torus is keen to be an active partner in the wide range of projects which are being delivered across Bewsey and Dallam. Our residents in the area will benefit from a fantastic neighbourhood hub facility which will provide resources and activities to all parts of the local community.

“Whilst we move ahead with our own plans for the development of new homes in the area, the hub will also play a key role in helping to transform the lives of local people.”