THE long-established community Phoenix Fire Boxing Club will sadly have to vacate its rent-free home inside Warrington Fire Station, which is set to be upgraded with a smaller footprint.
Phoenix Fire ABC, which has operated out of the town’s fire and rescue station on Winwick Road, is now searching for a new venue after reluctantly being asked to leave the site.
The club has been based at the station for a significant period and has become a central hub for grassroots boxing and youth engagement in the area.
Founded in 1990, the amateur boxing club has built a reputation for developing talent and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. It offers training not only for competitive fighters but also for those looking to improve fitness, confidence and discipline.
Over the years, Phoenix Fire has played a key role in the local community, running initiatives aimed at keeping young people active and engaged. Programmes hosted at the fire station have included holiday schemes combining exercise with meals and mentoring, helping families during school breaks and encouraging participation in sport.
Club officials say the loss of their current base could disrupt these activities, particularly for younger members who rely on the facility as a safe and structured environment.
The gym has also produced a steady stream of competitive boxers, with members regularly taking part in regional and national events. Its volunteer-led coaching team contributes thousands of hours each year to training and mentoring participants.
The club is now appealing for support from the community and local authorities as it looks for a new venue. Finding a suitable space is expected to be challenging, with requirements including room for a boxing ring, training equipment and safe access for children and families.
Despite the setback, organisers remain determined to keep the club running. They say the priority is to ensure continuity for members and to preserve a community resource that has been part of Warrington life for more than three decades.
Local supporters have begun rallying behind the club, highlighting its importance not just as a sports facility but as a place that promotes wellbeing, discipline and opportunity for young people across the town.
The club issued a statement on social media stating:
“Dear all members; it is with great sadness that we must inform you that Phoenix Fire ABC will be moving on from our current facility within Warrington Fire Station later this year. Our last official day will be September 24th 2026.
“The management committee would firstly like to put on record our sincere thanks to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service who have provided significant support and access to our rent-free space since 2010. It has been a brilliant partnership and in fact has been the most successful community partnership between a Fire Service and a community sports club of all time. However, unfortunately due to the necessary upgrade of Warrington Fire Station to ensure it is fit for purpose moving forward, The Fire Authority have had to make the extremely difficult decision to downsize the current site to a smaller footprint and as such there is no longer the space to accommodate the Boxing gym.
“The club management committee have begun the search for a new facility within the local area, and although currently no firm arrangements have been made, we are following a few leads and are confident we will confirm a new facility for Phoenix Fire ABC, within a couple of months. In our 36-year history this will be our 5th facility change and as such we understand how to transition appropriately from one facility to the next. Please be assured that as soon as we agree terms and conditions and all the appropriate due diligence is completed, we will share the information with members, parents, stakeholders and partners.
“In the short term please keep attending and representing Phoenix Fire to the best of your abilities we have a fantastic membership, and we will provide you with up-to-date information as and when we can. Can we also ask respectfully that you continue to support the current process and trust the Senior Management team of the club to complete the task in hand without prejudice.
“Looking forward to sharing positive outcomes soon;
Kind Regards
Phoenix Fire Committee
