Wirral Council wants to bring in an external operator to run the Wirral Water Sports Centre in West Kirby.
The complex is currently operated by the council and offers a range of water sports on the Marine Lake, but the cash-strapped local authority is looking at ways to eliminate the cost of subsidising the site.
They insist that there are no plans to shut the centre, but instead they want to bring in a firm to lease the centre and enter into a concession agreement to manage activities.
They say an operator “would be expected to keep the centre affordable and inclusive, especially for young people, people with disabilities, schools, and community groups” but that they would need to be able to make a profit and could “secure more income from the Lake by ensuring that every person who uses the facility pays for it, as is not the case at present”.
Wirral Council said: “Rising costs, reduced usage, and ageing facilities mean we need to explore new ways of delivering these services that offer better value and long-term stability to ensure the service can continue to be provided.
“In order to improve the service, reduce costs, and make it more sustainable for the future, we are proposing to explore options to outsource the operation of the Water Sports Complex and the delivery of water sports on West Kirby Marine Lake to an external operator.
“Any new provider would be expected to build on the existing offer, expanding access to water sports for current users while also creating a modern, inclusive, and accessible service that meets the needs of all our communities.”
The council has launched a consultation for people to give their feedback regarding the proposal and it can be accessed here: https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/wirral-water-sports
Photo credit: Wirral Council
