WORK is set to start on a major rebuild of Wirral Sailing Centre in West Kirby.

Artist's impressions show how the facility - situated at the Marine Lake and due to be ready in time for next year's peak water sports season - will look.

Meanwhile, the sailing centre still has a full programme of sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, power boating, paddle boarding and Hilbre Explorer boat trips to deliver.

A spokesperson said: "It's business as usual – but we do have 'the builders in'".

Cabinet member for the environment, councillor Phill Brightmore, said: "This is a landmark location and it's vital that people understand this council is investing and not abandoning the assets our residents value.

"The West Kirby Marine Lake is of local, regional, national and international importance when it comes to water sports, but the 'dry' facilities are lagging someway behind.

"Many people have already referred to the venue as a great missed opportunity, but no longer."

The centre is popular with groups who sail on the Marine Lake, as well as walkers, bird watchers and the Friends of Hilbre.

The aim is to bring them together and allow them to create a visitor point staffed by volunteers.

Some preparation is already underway at the site with underground services currently being upgraded in readiness for the major building work to start.

The new centre will feature improvements to the catering on offer, a new reception area, two more changing rooms, disability changing and office space.

The new, fully wheelchair-accessible, first floor will extend towards the lake and replace the current outdoor balcony, extending to where the old portable cabin was located – giving visitors the chance to enjoy world-class views.

Inside the existing building, a revamp of the first-floor rooms has already started.

That space will provide additional changing rooms and a training room. Other changing rooms have already been completed to accommodate the growth in demand.

Cllr Brightmore continued: "The newly-revamped building will see something for everyone.

"In essence the new building will be a glass 'sail' over two stories.

"The new building aims to complement and acknowledge the sailing environment with careful design.

"Last year the council bought a new sailing fleet for Wirral Sailing Centre and this shows our continued commitment to the centre."

Wirral Sailing Centre is enjoying continued success this summer with its pilot 'Pay & Play' which saw more than 30 people hiring sit on top kayaks and stand up paddle boards last weekend and is set to run again next weekend.

Another popular initiative is 'Ladies who Launch' – the centre now runs two weekly sessions (Wednesday mornings & Thursday evenings).