Woodchurch leisure centre, built in the 1960s complete with swimming pool and indoor sports facilities, was closed in 2022.
Since its closure it has proved to be a magnet for vandals and trespassers, prompting Wirral Council to decide to pull it down.
The council appointed specialist demolition contractor J Freeley to the job. Following the safe removal of asbestos, demolition has now begun and is scheduled to complete in April 2026.
Freeley has delivered similar projects in the region, including clearing the north and south annexes at Wallasey town hall, removing multiple buildings in New Ferry to make way for affordable homes, and demolishing the Liscard municipal building and community centre.
Located in a residential area, Woodchurch Leisure Centre is surrounded by schools, a nursery, and a family centre. A community centre on the same site, and sports ground behind the leisure centre, will remain in use throughout demolition.
Freeley director Michael Freeley said: 鈥淭his project demands a range of measures to ensure the highest safety standards. We鈥檝e introduced clearly defined exclusion zones and agreed alternative access routes to keep the public safely away from our working area.
鈥淲e鈥檙e also doing everything we can to minimise disruption to surrounding properties and the wider community. These efforts have been welcomed by local residents who鈥檝e contacted us to praise how tidy the site is. Careful traffic management, coordinated deliveries, and ongoing communication with our neighbours will ensure continued access to local facilities while keeping the community safe.鈥�
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