Wirral Water Sports Complex

We Asked

Wirral Council is now exploring a new way of running the Water Sports Complex. Currently, it is operated by an in-house team and relies on financial support from the Council. In order to improve the service, reduce costs, and make it more sustainable for the future, we are proposing to explore options to outsource the operation of the Water Sports Complex and the delivery of water sports on West Kirby Marine Lake to an external operator.

This consultation sought feedback in relation to the proposal for an external provider to run Wirral Water Sports Complex.

You Said

The questionnaire was responded to by 439 people.

The consultation data shows the majority of respondents are in favour of the outsourcing. Key considerations are as follows:

  • 139 respondents (31.7%) strongly supported the proposal
  • 122 respondents (27.8%) supported the proposal
  • 102 respondents (23.2%) neither supported nor objected to the proposal
  • 37 respondents (8.4%) objected to the proposal
  • 39 respondents (8.9%) strongly objected to the proposal

Please see the consultation page for the full results report.

Those in support felt that the council had a more limited capacity to manage the centre effectively and hoped a alternative provider might expand activities and provide accessible pricing to increase participation. Many supported outsourcing to bring investment and professional expertise, viewing it as a practical alternative to closure. There was also recognition of the site’s potential for improvement through better marketing, revitalised amenities, and integration with wider tourism and wellness initiatives.

Opposition to the proposal focused on concerns that outsourcing could prioritise profit over accessibility, potentially increasing costs and reducing inclusivity. Some respondents argued the council should retain control to ensure accountability and transparency, while others cited past outsourcing failures as cautionary examples. A few suggested limiting outsourcing to the café to improve service without affecting water sports provision.

We Did

The Director of Neighbourhood Services will commence a tender process to outsource the provision of the Wirral Water Sports Centre, by way of an accompanying lease for the affected assets and licence to utilise the West Kirby Marine Lake for the provision of Water Sports activities. This is in accordance with the decision taken by Budget Council on 3rd March 2025 to deliver £1m savings as part of the Active Wirral Change Programme of activity.