WITH the swimming pool currently closed at Broomfields Leisure Centre sparking fury in the local community, Warrington Borough Council has detailed how Section 106 monies from developers have been spent on the building – and why they can’t be used to carry out repairs.
It follows concerns from Warrington Conservative Deputy Chair Political Jack Thwaites who called for answers on the future of Broomfield Leisure Centre after speaking with concerned residents following a recent public meeting on the swimming pool closure.
Mr Thwaites also questioned what has happened to £725,991.74 of Section 106 developer contributions specifically connected with Broomfields, recorded in Warrington Borough Council’s Infrastructure Funding Statement.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “Section 106 developer contributions can only be secured and spent in line with strict legal requirements. The rules around how and where these monies can be spent are stringent.
“The Section 106 contribution linked to the Broomfields developments could be used to support improvements to build leisure facilities to help accommodate the additional demand generated by new residents. However, funding could not be used for general repairs, maintenance, or unrelated projects.
“Some improvement works have already been delivered using Section 106 funding, including upgrades to the sports hall flooring, which have increased the facility’s capacity and ability to support greater usage. This is consistent with the purpose for which the contributions were secured. As we explore options for the pool, we will need to ensure any funding used for these improvements meets legal requirements and planning policies.”
The pool was closed at the end of July for safety reasons while specialist contractors inspected the site and advised that further investigations are required before any repairs can begin.
Specialist access equipment is needed to allow a full assessment of the required repairs to take place.
Warrington Borough Council has authorised scaffolding works and expects the contractor to begin installation in the final week of August.
Constructing the scaffolding is complex, and it is anticipated that installation will take around three weeks, after which detailed investigations can proceed.
Broomfields Leisure Centre pool was closed on 26th July after ducting fell from the roof. Luckily, the fallen duct didn’t enter the pool, but it did require the Centre to be closed at one of the busiest times of the year in the middle of the school holidays.
