Council chiefs poised to put Runcorn baths up for sale
The baths shut in June, with the council citing a lifeguard shortage and the impact on safe staffing.
Runcorn Swimming Pool on Bridge Street. (Stuart Bogg/Runcorn Weekly News)
Runcorn Swimming Pool looks set to be put up for sale following its closure.
The baths and gym shut in June, with owners Halton Borough Council citing safety concerns as it would have been "impossible" to remain open due to staffing levels amid a national "lifeguard shortage".
It is now poised to be placed on the local authority's "disposal list" of assets for sale.
A report published ahead Halton Council's executive board meeting for January said the decision to close the facility followed efforts to find a group to take over the building but, despite several viewings, there were "no expressions of interest".
It said no-one came forward following a second procurement round in September to find an alternative use for the premises.
A review of sports facilities in the borough carried out by consultants on behalf of the council and published in January 2018 gave the baths and changing rooms the only "poor" condition rating in Halton.
The author of the executive board report said the building's insurer has asked for it to be boarded up, adding it is likely to fall into disrepair.
Runcorn Swimming Pool's alarm will remain on, they said.
Recommending a listing for sale, the document said: "The council has reviewed the site and the current budgetary position means it cannot afford the significant investment needed to maintain the building.
"There are ongoing costs for the building, which include some utility costs and annual service charges.
"Expenditure will be in line with other vacant buildings and kept to a minimum.
"The building's condition is likely to deteriorate.
"There is a wider regeneration plan for Runcorn with significant investment already made in the area and further investment coming, which will see improved assets in the area.
"However, the Town Deal regeneration project has not identified a use for the building.
"For these reasons, it is proposed that the building is declared surplus to requirements, and the council seeks to place the property on the open market for sale.
"The sale would be subject to planning, and any proposed end use would need to be sensitive to the wider regeneration plans for the town."
Council spending chiefs will be asked to support the listing for sale in a public meeting at the Municipal Building on Kingsway in Widnes, Cheshire, at 2pm on Thursday, January 19.
