There is hope “much loved” Bromborough Civic Centre will reopen after proposals for a takeover bid for the Wirral building move to the next stage.
The civic centre, and the library based there, were closed as a result of cuts passed in 2022 by Wirral Council to set a legally balanced budget. Since it's closure, both Labour and Green councillors in Bromborough had been campaigning for the library to be allowed to begin the process to move into community asset transfer.
Green campaigner Ruth Molyneux told a council meeting “people feel betrayed” in October as the future of the centre and what the council would do with it remained in doubt.
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There is now a proposal that could allow NEO Community, based in Rock Ferry, to submit a business plan to the council and develop it over eight weeks. This is the second stage of the community asset transfer process.
According to a council report, the pitch by NEO was “very detailed” and “it confirms the financial and staffing resources they have immediately available to support a transfer.”
The bid also includes community benefits, how they will use the whole building, and how a library Friends group will be involved according to the council.
In November, councillors voted to pass a Labour proposal to allow expressions of interest in the civic centre and library, the first step in the process.
Cllr Sue Percy, a Labour councillor, said: “I am delighted that the amendment I added to the proposals has helped to get this brilliant result for the people of Bromborough. The site has now taken its next step to being owned by the community. "
Green councillor Jo Bird said: “I am delighted that the doors of our much loved Bromborough Civic Centre could re-open to everybody. Many thanks and credit are due to our tireless community champions, like Ruth Molyneux and Friends of Bromborough Library.
“I am doubly delighted that NEO Community have submitted a strong expression of interest in running Bromborough Civic Centre through a community asset transfer. The charity promotes the growth of self-sustaining, resilient communities.
“I hope Council officers work at speed to prepare the lease for sign off. Our community is looking forward to our civic centre offering a warm welcome to everybody.”
Conservative chair of the council’s Leisure committee Helen Cameron previously criticised proposals put forward by the Greens and Labour in November arguing they were unnecessary given that funds had already been allocated to begin the transfer process.
She said: “This is the fourth amendment about one site. It is really unfortunate it wasn’t in scope but I just feel that both of these amendments are more about what you hope to put in the press.”
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