Appeal to transform doomed Willenhall Leisure Centre

A doomed Black Country leisure centre may be transformed into a cinema, skating rink or a concert hall after being put up for sale, say council chiefs.

Willenhall Leisure Centre, Bath Street, will close on August 27.

Walsall Council has appealed for potential buyers. A final decision to axe the centre was made last month, as part of cost-cutting measures totalling £22 million this year.

Leisure chiefs say it was selected for closure because it was their poorest performing leisure centre.

It cost as much to run as the other sites, but serving only half as many people.

Councillor Anthony Harris, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and environment said future use did not need to remain the same.

"It was a difficult decision to close Willenhall Leisure Centre, but given the pressure on council resources, the centre's performance and the availability of other provision there was neither a business case nor compelling service justification to keep the centre open.

"The council is however keen to see some form of leisure provision continue there and we are seeking expressions of interest.

"Future use would not necessarily be as a leisure centre, other uses that could be considered include a cinema, skating rink or a concert hall."

Other savings in the council's emergency budget last month include closing flagship attraction the New Art Gallery on Mondays, freezing recruitment at libraries, ditching road safety lessons for pupils, shelving road improvements and cutting 11 jobs.

Expressions of interest can be sent to assetmanagement@walsall.gov.uk or to Walsall Council at Steve Pugh, Asset Management, Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1TP.