LiveWire marks era end as transition to Council partnership begins

LEISURE and library facilities provider, LiveWire, has announced its next chapter, a strategic partnership with Warrington Borough Council.

For nearly a decade and a half LiveWire has been the driving force behind community engagement and wellbeing in Warrington. Established in May 2012 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), LiveWire has evolved into the town’s premier provider of leisure and library facilities, operating three neighbourhood hubs, two leisure centres, one community hub, and a network of thirteen libraries.
In addition to providing high quality leisure and recreation facilities, LiveWire has worked closely with local schools, primary care providers, sports clubs, charities, and Warrington Borough Council to give all sectors of the community access to health and wellbeing initiatives.
Much has been achieved by LiveWire since inception, and the leisure provider moves forward with a legacy to be proud of. The contribution to Warrington’s population includes:

• 8,485 people have successfully quit smoking
• 45,630 individuals have achieved weight loss goals
• 366,998 school pupils have benefitted from swimming lessons
• 85,667 young people have participated in junior tennis lessons
• 8,938 children engaged with the Summer Reading Challenge

Talking about the transition, Cheryl Siddall, Interim Chief Operating Officer, said: “It’s been an exciting journey across the years, seeing the teams achieve so much and the positivity of the teams in providing excellent support and service to the communities of Warrington. We are going into the [transition]in a good position, having surpassed pre-COVID figures in growth and achieved a multitude of things. We’re looking forward to seeing the good work continue with the council.”
LiveWire designed several innovative programmes, working with a number of local partners to reach as much of the population as possible. Through innovative activities like health walks, menopause and neuro fitness classes, LiveWire has championed inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate in activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Dedication to promoting physical activity extended to engagement with primary schools in Warrington. Through events, conferences, and educational sessions with teachers and children alike, LiveWire ensured children have had the opportunity to experience, enjoy, and excel in a range of exciting activities promoting both physical and mental health.

LiveWire has also worked in partnership with other charities and organisations, such as the Kit4All project, which aimed to remove barriers to participation by providing proper sports equipment to children in need.
More recently, LiveWire has worked closely with Warrington Borough Council to redevelop some of its Warrington sites, creating an enviable portfolio of facilities. The Birchwood Community Hub now features: a modern library, updated facilities, and an improved tennis complex and a state-of-the-art spinning studio. Moreover, enhanced library services, including a range of events and activities, alongside a vast collection of books, eBooks, and audio resources are now available to all of Livewires members within the community.
Additionally, the £4.3 million facility in Bewsey & Dallam Neighbourhood Hub provides residents with an array of community and wellbeing services, including community spaces, a state-of-the-art gym, a multi-use studio, a pool, and library provision, further cementing LiveWire’s role as a cornerstone of community development.

The improvement of libraries in Warrington has also been a focus for LiveWire, and the team have overseen refurbishments of local facilities thanks to the million-pound library modernisation investment by WBC. A Public Libraries Strategy was implemented, ensuring the provision of library services and adhering to the Libraries Connected Universal Offers programme.
The work of LiveWire over the years has not gone unnoticed, with local, regional and national accolades being achieved. This includes the Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub being awarded the prestigious DSDC (Dementia Services Development Centre) Gold Award from the University of Stirling in 2020 – the first public building to achieve this.
A strategic partnership with Warrington Borough Council ensures the continuity of services and benefits for its members. With a commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering seamless transitions, LiveWire remains dedicated to serving its community with excellence and integrity.