BUILDING work has started on a £1.5 million neighbourhood hub at Warrington – less than three weeks after council planning chiefs gave it the go-ahead.
Enabling works to pave the way for the three storey Bewsey and Dallam Neighbourhood Hub, on Longshaw Street, got under way.
Actual construction work is expected to start early this summer.
The Hub, which will be run by leisure and lifestyle providers LiveWire, will bring a range of much-needed services to the area, including a fitness suite, “smart library” and health care services. It will also provide the local community with open spaces including a playground and allotments.
The facility is being developed thanks to £1 million of funding from Warrington Borough Council’s capital investment programme and additional funding from housing provider Torus and LiveWire itself.
Phase one plans will see the fitness suite, studio, smart library, IT suites and rooms for community activities developed. Subject to funding, plans for phase two include a learner hydro-therapy pool and an extra wing which will provide health care services.
Major partner organisations across the town including Culture Warrington and Warrington Borough Council will also support the services provided by LiveWire and will provide a neighbourhood art and heritage offer and a job club to maximise family income.
Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire and Culture Warrington, said: “LiveWire is proud to be starting work on a Hub which will serve the communities of Bewsey and Dallam. This is a much-needed facility that will provide a wealth of opportunities for residents in the area to improve their health and wellbeing.
“Furthermore, the response we’ve received from residents during our consultation exercises has been overwhelming and has showed a real need for this facility to be built.”
Cllr Pat Wright, the council’s lead member for statutory health and social care, added: “It’s wonderful to see these plans coming to fruition and it won’t be long before residents in Bewsey and Dallam are accessing the wide range of health and wellbeing services they deserve.
“Integrated facilities like this undoubtedly have a really positive impact, so I’m confident that this facility will help us meet our objective of encouraging local residents to lead healthier 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.”
Technical support for the project is being provided by Mpulse and Walker Simpson Architects.
To find out more information about the development, and to keep up to date with the latest news, visit http://www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/bewsey-and-dallam-project
Picture: Adam Gandy from Mpulse, Steve Moore, of Torus, Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire and Culture Warrington, Cllr Kate Hannon and Cllr Pat Wright.
