GREAT Sankey Neighbourhood Hub is on track to open its doors 'early' next year – but a planned opening date has not been set.

In July, the council took over the governance, management and financial responsibilities of the development project, under the management of Warrington & Co, from LiveWire.

But LiveWire continues to work closely with the authority and Warrington & Co ahead of the opening.

"We are working to an opening date of early 2018 for the first phase of Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub, which will contain the fitness suite, group exercise studios and a new library," said a LiveWire spokesman.

"The rest of the facilities, including the pools, spa and health spaces, will open later in 2018."

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid recently met LiveWire's board members at his constituency office, on Wilson Patten Street.

The Labour politician called for the meeting to 'find out more' about the organisation's work in Warrington South and for an update on the hub.

He said: "It was good to meet the Livewire team.

"I was pleased to hear that the Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub is now on track and is set to open early next year.

"I will be keeping a close eye on the hub's progress to ensure the new facility is fit for purpose and I look forward to visiting the new facility as soon as it opens.

"During the meeting I made it clear that I want to see the libraries in our town protected and the services on offer enhanced.

"In Warrington we have a proud history which saw the opening of the nation's first free public library in 1848.

"In 2017 our local libraries provide vital services to their communities.

"I will continue to liaise with Livewire to ensure that these services are protected and their offers enhanced for communities across Warrington South.

"During our meeting the board members gave an overview of the services provided by Livewire, they discussed plans to deliver long-term growth and they talked about Livewire's aspirations to provide fantastic facilities in every neighbourhood area of Warrington.

"The meeting was very productive and I look forward to working with Livewire in future to ensure that they live up to their mission to be the number one provider of affordable, innovative wellbeing, libraries, sport and leisure opportunities for all residents, visitors and people working in Warrington."