PLANS for Kenilworth’s lido to be replaced with an indoor pool are one step closer.
Warwick District Council’s executive has approved design work on proposals to remove the larger outdoor pool at Abbey Fields and instead build one inside.
Councillors say in summer it could be ‘opened up’ onto a new terrace with a café, and during winter can be enclosed.
Many had been campaigning against the closure of the outdoor pool, and group Restore Kenilworth Lido said the council should look at turning it back into a rectangular-shaped outdoor pool and kept open all year.
But councillors say an indoor pool would meet the ‘substantial demand’ locally for more swimming lessons and be welcomed by many.
The new ‘family-friendly’ pool will also include water features for youngsters and plans include remodelling the rest of the building. Tennis courts and the pavilion next to the play area will also be refurbished.
Kenilworth’s Castle Farm Recreation Centre has also been approved which will include demolishing the current site and building a six court sports hall, 80 station gym and two fitness studios.
Council spokesman for culture, Coun Michael Coker said: “The selected proposals for Castle Farm and Abbey Fields are extremely exciting. Following this decision, our design team will now get on with working up these plans and coming back to a future meeting of the executive with more details of how we will provide Kenilworth with some of the best facilities in the country and at the same time respect the views of local people in this very special location.”
