A FORMAL bid has been moved to move Birchwood Library into the nearby leisure and tennis complex.

It would create a new community hub for the area.

The move, which is planned to be completed early next year, will also involved some refurbishment of current facilities and a new fitness studio if the scheme is agreed by Warrington Borough Council.

Plans have been submitted this week.

The library will move from its current location at Birchwood High into the bar area at the leisure centre.

Some of the income from the sale of the former St Oliver Plunkett school site for housing will be used to fund the work, says Warrington Borough Council and LiveWire which will run the scheme.

Work should start later this year.

Key elements of the redevelopment include:

• Transformation of an underutilised bar area and associated space into a modern, open plan library offer, including children’s area and public network computers

• Refurbishment of the reception area

• Refurbishment of leisure changing room facilities

• A new, second, fitness studio on the ground floor

• Creation of extra fitness studio space, through the extension of the existing first floor studio

The current gym, indoor and outdoor tennis courts managed by LiveWire will be retained, alongside the existing school sports hall.

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “I’m delighted that the plans for Birchwood Community Hub are moving forward. We are confident that the library will provide an excellent offer to local residents in a light, friendly and modern space. In addition, the planned improvement work to the reception area and changing rooms, alongside the additional fitness studio space will significantly enhance the customer experience for both existing and new LiveWire members.”

LiveWire will be hosting a series of staffed drop-in sessions at both the library and leisure centre.

They take place at Birchwood Library on;

• Tuesday May, 17 from 4.30pm to 6pm

• Saturday, May 21 from 10am to 12pm

• Monday May 23 from 11am to 12pm

• Friday, May 27 from 3pm to 5pm

• Wednesday, June 1 from 10.30am to 11.30am

Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex;

• Thursday, May 19 from 9.30am to 10.30am

• Wednesday, May 25 3pm to 4pm

• Monday, May 30 from 7pm to 8pm

• Saturday, June 11 from 12pm to 1pm

You can see the scheme in more detail by searching 2022/41560 at warrington.gov.uk