WIRRAL Council is considering relocating two of its libraries to link up with a leisure centre and a theatre. The options were revealed by council officers as the local authority prepares to draw up options for its budget from 2025 onwards.

The local authority had previously considered the relocation of both libraries in 2023 as part of major budget cuts that year but later dropped the plans after they proved controversial. However, it has been known since the beginning of 2024 that the council was exploring possible relocation options again which could save £250,000.

During a tourism, communities, culture, and leisure committee, officers said extensive work was being done across the council exploring the possibility of moving Europa Pools Leisure Centre into a co-located facility alongside Birkenhead Central Library. Officers said a report was due in September on the future operation of the Floral Pavilion Theatre which they said may “consider its place in Wallasey alongside Wallasey Central Library.”

However, committee chair Cllr Ian Lewis, asked for assurances that staff and community groups like the Friends of Wallasey Central Library would be kept in the loop about the plans, adding: “I’m concerned now we’re going to set hares running before we have said what we want to do.” Officers said no decision had been made on specifics but the proposals were part of broader policies around regeneration and reducing emissions.

Despite unachieved savings and issues with its budget last year, the council said the Floral was now “looking quite favourable” with hard work to improve engagement and audience numbers paying off. Andrew McCartan said there were “exciting plans for the Floral Pavilion going forward” as it looks for a potential private operator to take it over.

Unlike at the same point last year where the department was over budget by £1.8m, it is now expecting to see a balanced position this year which will reduce pressure on other areas of the council like social care which is seeing an increase in costs.

Councillors also received a report showing more people were using leisure services including more people at swimming pools and centres as well as increases in income at the Floral Pavilion cafe, Williamson Art Gallery, and Royden Park. Officers said recovery from the pandemic had been long but centres like the Oval that were used for vaccinations were recovering well.