Warwick District Council’s contractor Kier Construction are 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 Warwick District Council’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 café.

Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure at Warwick District Council 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, said: “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.

The recommencing of work builds upon the success of the opening of Castle Farm Leisure Centre in December 2023 which has been well received by the town. Both leisure centre developments are part of the multi-million pound investment by Warwick District Council into leisure services across the district.

More information on the Abbey Fields swimming pools project can be found on the Warwick District Council website.