Warwick District Councillors have approved plans to refurbish the paddling pool in Victoria Park, Leamington Spa and St Nicholas Park, Warwick.  Read the Cabinet report for Refurbishment and Improvement to Existing Paddling Pools and the subsequent cabinet report.  Also, to proceed with the project at St Nicholas Park, Warwick will replace and improve the paddling pool within the park.

Frequently asked questions

Why was the maintenance work and refurbishment not done last year if you were aware of the problems with the pool?

At the end of summer 2023, when looking at the scheduling for next year’s opening, a discussion was had with the maintenance provider, which highlighted the scale and urgency of the repairs needed. It was clear that it was not practicable to open for 2024 without significant closures likely for much of the summer, plus unpredictable costs. At this point, we started working out options for refurbishment. 

Why is Victoria Park paddling pool closing this summer?

Each year, we carry out repairs and maintenance to keep the paddling pools safe and avoid having to close them for long periods of time. However, over the years, the repairs have become more substantial and costly, so we have now reached a point where ongoing maintenance is not sufficient, and the paddling pool now requires a thorough refurbishment and upgrade. This has been a complex process, and we will be completing the design and going through the planning process soon with the aim of completing the works in early summer 2025.

Please reconsider this, unless it’s absolutely necessary for safety. If it’s because preparation is needed for refurbishment being done in the autumn, can’t the refurbishment (and therefore preparation) be moved back to a later date?

We understand the frustration of having had the paddling pool at Victoria Park out of use for 2024; the costs of getting the pool ready at Victoria Park would have been significant with no reliable way of ensuring that closures will not occur repeatedly during the summer, adding to the cost and frustration to families wanting to use the paddling pool.

The balanced decision made by Cabinet in February 2024 was to progress with the repairs of Victoria Park as soon as possible rather than a year of unreliable provision incurring extra costs. 

St Nicholas Park paddling pool was able to remain largely open for summer 2024, and we have an agreement from Cabinet to close the St Nicholas Park paddling pool for replacement also, with funding now secured. 

The preparation for the refurbishment of both paddling pools has begun, and we are aiming to ensure that the Victoria Park paddling pool and the paddling pool at St Nicholas Park will be back for 2025. 

Why is the upgrade to the paddling pool not being completed now?

The scheduling of the necessary works includes contractor availability and time to get the specification design, the contractor and the equipment all in place before beginning to renovate the area. We are working hard to deliver this project as soon as possible.

Why has it taken so long?

Funding and the design specification have been areas we have needed to resolve to ensure we are able to afford a design built to last. The scheduling of the necessary works includes contractor availability and time to get the specification design, the contractor and the equipment all in place before beginning to renovate the area. This has taken time and been complex, but we are in a position to design and procure the works moving to seek planning permission before beginning works in the new year.

Why is the paddling pool at St Nicholas Park not safe to use for another year?

During the year, the intermediary repair work undertaken during the spring endured well following health and safety checks to allow for the opening of the facility for the summer season. However, there were maintenance issues during the summer, and it is clear that patching the surface is a short-term solution and requires a more substantial repair to meet the needs of the community in enjoying this facility.

Will St Nicholas Park paddling pool be closed next year?

The goal is for St Nicholas to be refurbished alongside Victoria Park and open for the summer season. This will be dependent on a number of factors which could cause delays, such as securing planning permission, unforeseen site issues, the availability of specialist contractors to undertake the work to ensure we have a paddling pool built to last, plus, as ever, the weather!