WORK is back underway on the Abbey Fields swimming pool project in Kenilworth.
Warwick District Council’s contractor Kier Construction is now on site to begin preparation work for the two-year build.
Last January the discovery of extensive medieval remains on the development site brought the project to a halt. There then followed a lengthy process of revising the building designs to provide a protective raft over the archaeological findings.
Approval was then sought from members of WDC’s Cabinet and group leaders on a new contract and price with the main developer to build the new facility comprising two swimming pools with adjoining sun deck and cafe.
The new project comes in with a hefty price tag of £22million – £7.3million more than the original £14.7million projected.
The work is scheduled to be complete by summer 2026.
WDC’s leisure spokesperson Coun Jim Sinnott said: “This is a landmark moment on a long and difficult journey. I am therefore delighted to see our contractors on site and work progressing to provide Kenilworth and the wider district with the additional swimming facilities required to meet the needs of a growing population, with the benefits of being accessible to all including those with profound disabilities.”
Tony Shenton, regional director for Kier Construction in the Eastern and Midlands, added: “We are pleased that, following close collaboration with the council, we have agreed a design for the Abbey Fields swimming pool project which protects the artefacts found on site. We look forward to creating this community asset and providing residents with high quality leisure facilities that will be enjoyed for generations to come”.
Visitors to Abbey Fields are advised that during the construction period, the younger children’s play area (accessed via the hoarding gate) will open at weekends and bank holidays only. The other play area beyond the site hoardings will be remain open throughout the works, apart from occasional days when it may need to close for reasons of health and safety.
More information on the Abbey Fields swimming pools project can be found on WDC’s website.
