Building filled with toxic substance could be sold off - Liverpool Echo

Building filled with toxic substance could be sold offIt could cost as much as £5.6m to fully refurbish but Wirral Council said it doesn't have the moneyCommentsNewsEdward Barnes Local

Democracy Reporter14:41, 03 Jun 2025Heswall Day Centre(Image: Google Maps) Wirral Council is looking to sell off one of its day centres as the local authority said it doesn’t have the money

to reopen it.

The Heswall Day Centre on Telegraph Road was one of nine facilities providing adult social care services during the day in Wirral and has been in-house since October 2022.

‌ According to a new council report, it has been closed since September 2024 due to a heating failure with the building left in a dilapidated condition.

‌ The service helped support 52 adults who have been moved to other facilities since the day centre at Heswall closed.

A survey carried out by the council found it would cost a significant amount of money to refurbish and bring it back into use, something the financially-struggling authority said it can’t

afford.

At an adult social care and public health committee meeting next week on June 10, councillors are being asked to put the centre on the market.

Article continues below Another report brought before elected members highlighted comments from service users who gave positive feedback following Heswall's closure.

The centre was closed in April 2024 to remove toxic asbestos from the building as part of planned repairs to the building. When it reopened in July, further issues were found due to the

condition of the building.

In September, the heating failed and services were moved out while investigations took place. A report before councillors said the asbestos made things tricky as “the investigation and

survey involved disturbing the sub-structure and piping where there were asbestos risks.”

‌ Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance that can lead to fatal lung conditions but was regularly used in construction and fireproofing materials before it was later banned. It’s estimated

around 5,000 people die a year due to asbestos-related issues.

It’s estimated over £500,000 will be needed to bring the building back into use but this figure doesn’t include extra costs for repairs following recent wire inspections. Estimates for a

full refurbishment of the building could cost as much as £5.6m.

The report said: “Due to the council’s financial position and the dilapidated state of Heswall Day Centre, there are no other reasonable options. The building whilst empty will continue to

pose risks of security and vandalism, whilst deteriorating.

Article continues below “Without any new capital grants or funding from other sources, the council has no other option than to dispose of the asset, reduce its liabilities and will be able

to attract a capital receipt that will help support other investment needs of the council.”

The day centre was previously at risk of closure as part of £39m cuts to the council's budget back in 2013. This led to protests at Wallasey Town Hall as a number of day centres were at

risk.