AN independent survey showing that Woolston Neighbourhood Hub is “largely sound” must be the starting point for finding a way to save the community facility – not a justification for Warrington Borough Council to walk away from it.
That is the message from local councillor Rob Tynan, following publication of a detailed condition survey carried out by independent consultants Turner & Townsend.
The report identifies a significant backlog of maintenance and a number of serious problems which would need to be addressed before the building could return to operation.
These include deteriorated roof coverings, ongoing water ingress, rising damp, water damage and ageing mechanical and electrical systems.
But crucially, the independent survey states that the general structure of the building is largely sound.
Cllr Tynan says that distinction is important as the future of the Woolston facility, which initially closed following the discovery of legionella, hangs in the balance.
He has warned Warrington Borough Council against treating the survey as the “final word” on either the future of the Hub or the eventual cost of bringing it back into use.
Instead, he wants the council to sit down with local residents, the People of Woolston group and other community representatives to work out whether the necessary repairs can be phased and a sustainable future found for the building.
Cllr Tynan said:“This is an independent report commissioned on behalf of Warrington Borough Council and these are the findings and estimates that the surveyors have produced.
“I am not signing up to every figure in the report, nor am I accepting that these estimates represent the final cost of securing Woolston Hub’s future.
“What matters is that we now have a much clearer assessment of the condition of the building and the issues which need to be addressed.”
He said the finding that the building’s general structure is largely sound should not be overlooked.
“Importantly, the report says that the general structure of the building is largely sound.
“It identifies serious problems which need attention, particularly around the roofs, water ingress and parts of the building services, but it does not say that Woolston Hub is beyond saving.”
His comments will put further pressure on the Borough Council to explain exactly what it intends to do with the building and whether it is prepared to work with the community to find a solution.
Cllr Tynan said the council must not simply use the survey as a reason to dispose of an asset which has served the local community for decades.
“Warrington Borough Council must not now use this report simply as another justification for walking away from the Hub or trying to pass responsibility for a difficult building onto somebody else.
“There needs to be a proper conversation about what work is genuinely necessary, what can be prioritised, how any scheme could be phased and what the most sustainable model for the Hub would look like.”
He also praised the campaign by local residents to keep the facility in community hands.
“I will continue to support the People of Woolston group, local residents and everyone who has worked so hard to protect this important community facility.
“They deserve to be treated as partners in finding a way forward.”
The report’s financial estimates of just over £3m are explicitly described as indicative, with the final cost dependent on detailed design, procurement and eventual tender prices.
That leaves open the possibility of different approaches to the building’s refurbishment and future operation.
Cllr Tynan said those options now needed to be properly explored rather than dismissed.
“There may be different ideas about how the Hub could operate in the future, and those options should be explored properly.
“But the Borough Council cannot simply wash its hands of an asset for which it has been responsible.”
The future of Woolston Hub has become a major local issue, with residents campaigning for the facility to be retained and brought back into use.
The publication of the Turner & Townsend survey now provides a detailed independent assessment of the building’s condition – but Cllr Tynan believes it should be used as a road map for action rather than a reason for closure.
He said: “The priority now should be finding a credible and sustainable route to getting Woolston Hub back into use and securing it for the community for the long term.
“That is what I will continue to campaign for alongside the people of Woolston.”
