The hub - a multi-purpose facility housing a swimming pool, leisure facilities, library, a GP surgery, and community organisations - has been partially closed since July and fully closed since September.
This temporary closure was triggered by a combination of factors, including structural concerns and the presence of legionella bacteria in the water supply. Despite comprehensive flushing and disinfection efforts, recent testing confirms legionella remains present.
The council estimates that the full cost to repair the hub and bring it back into safe, operational use is approximately £3m. Given the escalating budget pressures, the council is unlikely to be able to afford the repairs and is therefore considering the future options for the site.
The consultation will run from Tuesday 11 November 2025 until Friday 2 January 2026. The feedback gathered will be crucial in helping the council shape the future of the hub.
Deputy Council Leader and cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said: “The budget pressures we are facing are more significant than ever, and we must be realistic about which services we can afford to provide in the future.
“The issues at Woolston Hub will be extremely costly to fix – and beyond this immediate cost, the hub has been running on a subsidy from the council for some time, meaning it isn’t financially sustainable as it stands.
“Unfortunately, this is just one of many difficult decisions we anticipate having to take across the council as we grapple with our current financial situation.
“I would urge LiveWire members, residents, and communities to take part in this consultation about the future of the hub. While all options are currently on the table, the permanent closure of the site is one of the options, and we need to hear your views as part of this important work.”
Next Steps
To take part in the consultation, please visit warrington.gov.uk/woolston-hub-consultation and complete the survey. Following the consultation period, all feedback will be considered, before a final decision is made by the council’s Cabinet.