A Wirral leisure centre is set to reopen its pool for the first time in months after repairs to sort out falling ceiling tiles.
The swimming pool at the West Kirby leisure centre on the Wirral is due to reopen on 28 June. The pool was initially closed in March 2025 before thorough investigations took place and a full replacement of the ceiling.Wirral Council previously said the pool closed in March “following reports of debris which included small pieces of ceiling tile falling directly into the pool area”. This led to a probe which “identified several additional areas of concern which resulted in the pool being drained and a large amount of scaffolding erected to help carry out proper safety checks”.
The works included the removal of existing suspended ceiling tiles and frame, removal of redundant light fittings, installation of a new ceiling, in line with current safety regulations, cleaning of ventilation ductwork and vents, and repairs to poolside lockers and pool plant equipment.
Cllr Ian Lewis, Chair of Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for Wirral Council, said, “The reopening of the pool at West Kirby Concourse is just in time for summer and the school holidays.
“I’d like to thank swimmers and clubs for their patience, along with staff at the Concourse who have responded to enquiries from the public since this emergency work started, as well as staff in our other leisure centres who have welcomed some of the displaced swimmers.”
The leisure centre sits at the centre of West Kirby and features a gym, swimming pool, café, and other facilities. It was built in 1973 and was recently included in the council’s Local Heritage List for its “dramatic glazed double-height frontage” and Brutalist elements that “create a fortress-like impression” and “reflects the modernist ideals of the time”.
While the pool was closed, Matthew Patrick, the MP for Wirral West, launched a petition to introduce a privacy screen at the pool. He launched the petition after a number of students raised concerns with him arguing the screen would “safeguard young women and provide dignity to users.”
Ahead of its reopening, Mr Patrick said, “I was disappointed to hear that young women have felt too uncomfortable to use the swimming pool in West Kirby. These facilities should be accessible to all of our community.
“Making sure young women are safe in our community will always be my priority, which is why I’ve launched this campaign to ensure more is done to protect them.
“I will continue to push the council to take action on this issue and make the Concourse a more welcoming place for everyone.”
A Wirral Council spokesperson said, “We have received representations from the MP on this matter and we are in direct contact with his office over a response – alongside updates on the programme of essential repairs.”
They added, “It should be said that many indoor public swimming pools are designed with large, gallery windows to maximise natural light and create a connection with the outdoors.
“That was the case when West Kirby Concourse was designed more than 50 years ago and any decision to alter that will need careful consideration, as will the fact that the building is included on the Local Heritage List for Wirral.
“While we have carried out some initial assessments and costings on a potential solution, any appropriate action would be subject to funding and would only take place after an open engagement process with Invigor8 members, other pool users and residents.
“This engagement hasn’t been possible while the pool was closed for essential repairs.”
- Original Article: Birkenhead News
- Date: June 2025