COUNCIL chiefs have given the go-ahead to progress plans for a controversial multi-million pound revamp of Kenilworth’s Abbey Fields swimming pool and Castle Farm leisure centre.
Warwick District Council’s ruling Executive gave the green light yesterday for the next step in the project to replace the existing outdoor pool with a second indoor pool at Abbey Fields, which would open up onto an adjoining sun terrace.
The work is set to cost between £7million and £9million.
But Restore Kenilworth Lido has been campaigning for a full size lido, open all year round, at Abbey Fields – an option rejected by the council last week following a consultation.
The Castle Farm plans will see the 30-year-old leisure centre knocked down and completely rebuilt at a cost of between £10million to £12million. The revamp will include six sports courts, an 80 station gym, and dance and yoga studios.
District culture spokeswoman Coun Moira Ann Grainger said: “The proposals we are putting forward for Kenilworth’s leisure centres are not only stunning, but accessible and sustainable too.
“Following this decision, I am very much looking forward to developing these ideas further, with the aim of providing Kenilworth and the district with some of the best facilities in the country.”
A pre-planning public consultation will take place in October or November when residents will have a chance to comment on the designs and other issues.
A further report will follow in autumn 2020, including final designs and potential costs, ahead of work starting.
