MORE than £625,000 is planned to be invested into Broomfields Leisure Centre in Appleton.

Section 106 agreements from four developments in south Warrington include cash for the facility to help mitigate the impact of the new housing.

They comprise Homes England’s developments at Appleton Cross, 370 homes, Grappenhall Heys, 172 homes with planning permission, and Pewterspear Green, 180 homes, along with Bloor Homes’ site in Appleton Thorn, on Stretton Road, 71 homes.

The council has confirmed the ‘potential contributions’ that are to be used towards Broomfields Leisure Centre are £288,995 for Appleton Cross, £134,266 for Grappenhall Heys, £140,510 for Pewterspear Green and £61,892 for Bloor Homes’ site.

It brings the total to just over £625,660.

The council has received 50 per cent of Bloor Homes’ contribution so far.

The Labour-run authority says it is considering the future of the centre, along with LiveWire and other key partners such as Bridgewater High School.

A council spokesman confirmed replacing it with a new facility, or instead completing a big refurbishment, will both be explored.

A spokesman added: “Funding is only released from developers once agreed conditions are met, such as a certain percentage of the properties built are now occupied.

“This means that the funding comes through intermittently and cannot be easily predicted.

“The initial investment we have received will be targeted towards those facilities most in need and which will most support the wider community use within Broomfields Leisure Centre.

“This is currently being assessed by LiveWire.

“Further funding, from the council and the Football Foundation, is being invested into converting the existing all-weather pitch into a new 3G pitch.

“This will significantly improve outdoor pitch facilities and demonstrates our commitment at the site as an important centre for community sport and leisure.”