Birkenhead Central Library and Pacific Road saved from axeBIRKENHEAD Central Library will not be closing, while Pacific Road Theatre should have a viable future but without any public subsidy.
Hundreds of Wirral residents packed into Wallasey Town Hall last Thursday, to hear council leader Cllr Steve Foulkes deliver his cabinet’s verdict on the strategic asset review and subsequent public consultation.
The Labour leader told those assembled, “I hope you believe the consultation has been genuine”, after the heavy peninsula wide closures initially proposed were altered.
Cllr Foulkes said Birkenhead Central Library will “remain open in its current building, which will be maintained as required”, while Upton Library also avoided the axe.
Birkenhead and Tranmere Cllr Phil Davies said: “There really was never any suggestion to demolish that building, because we know how much it is loved and valued within Birkenhead.
“Even if we did relocate the library to another building, we would certainly, given the historic importance of that building, look for an alternative use.”
But the news wasn’t so good for Beechwood, Prenton and Ridgeway libraries, all of which will close as originally proposed.
Prenton Cllr Ann Bridson said a tough decision was made between keeping Woodchurch Leisure Centre, used by ward residents, and the library.
Cllr Bridson told the News: “We could possibly maintain the library, but it would not be run by the library service.”
Cllr Foulkes told the meeting several “expressions of interest” have been made regarding Pacific Road Theatre, which should allow it to continue.
Wirral Museum will close but a new sustainable use will be found for the former Birkenhead Town Hall, “to secure the future of this iconic building”, while Wirral Transport Museum will be transferred to a community development trust.
Grange Road West Sports Centre will also “be considered” for community ownership.
the wirral news