THE KENILWORTH swimming pool project is to get back underway despite a hefty new price tag of £22million.
Warwick District Council agreed the redevelopment of the swimming pools at Abbey Fields should recommence, following the signing of a revised contract with the main developer.
WDC approved a price of £22million with Kier. This is £7.3million more than the original £14.7million projected and will come out of taxpayers’ pockets.
Last summer the discovery of extensive medieval remains on the development site brought the programme to a halt. Following this WDC’s project team analysed the options available to allow them to continue with the build while protecting the historical structures, and the implications this would have on the timeline and investment needed.
A project ceiling cost was agreed by full council in November and the revised plans for the building were submitted to the main contractor Kier.
There then followed a period of intense negotiation, with both parties having to consider the effects of high inflation on the construction industry and the detailed new specifications and redesigns required.
It is anticipated that construction work to create Kenilworth’s new swimming facilities comprising two pools, sun deck and cafe will
commence in March with estimated completion in summer 2026.
WDC leader Coun Ian Davison said: “I’m pleased that Cabinet and the leaders of all political parties agreed to continue with this exciting project, despite it being such a difficult decision given the high cost. We must thank our officers for their detailed scrutiny of the design and finances for us to reach an agreement with our contractor.
“The work can now continue to provide Kenilworth and the wider district with the additional swimming pools required to meet the needs of a growing population. Once complete, this will be a wonderful asset for the whole community.”
More information on the Abbey Fields swimming pools project can be found on WDC’s website.
