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New operator appointed for Marine Lake activities

A new operator has been appointed to run Wirral Watersports Centre and West Kirby Marine Lake.

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A new operator has been appointed to run Wirral Watersports Centre and West Kirby Marine Lake.

Coastal WK Ltd is set to take over as the specialist external operator through a concession contract.

The Council will retain ownership of the asset and responsibility for lake maintenance, while the new operator will take on day-to-day operations, staffing and building maintenance.

The council says it will remove the need for an ongoing subsidy and place the centre on a more sustainable footing.

It follows a public consultation last year which found almost 60 per cent of the 439 people who responded supported the plan.

Cllr Jenny Johnson, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, Wirral Council, said: "This proposal is about securing the future of an important Wirral asset in a way that is realistic, sustainable and ambitious.

"We want to protect public access to watersports at West Kirby, support the long-term future of the site and make sure it is run in a way that works for residents and for the borough as a whole.

"The recommended model would allow us to keep the asset in public ownership while bringing in specialist expertise to grow the offer, reduce financial pressure and help unlock the site’s full potential."

The site is home to wind-based watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and wingfoiling.

The council says watersports will remain at its core, and be available through day passes, memberships, beginner to advanced lessons, training courses, children's camps and organised activities.

Adam Crouch, Director of Coastal WK Ltd, said: "As Wirral residents, this project means a huge amount to us.

"West Kirby Marine Lake is one of the best watersports locations in the country, known internationally, and has been loved by generations of local people.Our vision is to protect what makes the site special while creating a more active, welcoming and sustainable destination for the future.

"We want to help more people get active, get outdoors and enjoy Wirral’s incredible coastline."

Photo credit: Wirral Watersports Centre

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