New swimming pool opens to the public after delays

As Kenilworth's new swimming pool opens to the public for the first time, one councillor says he's sure it will win over the "doubters".

The controversial Abbey Fields pool opened to the public after six months of delays and an extra £8m cost, after medieval remains were found by the builders.

It replaces the 123-year-old Kenilworth Lido on the site, which campaigners had fought to keep open.

Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities at Warwick District Council said: "Once you've seen the quality and what we've actually delivered, I think you can only be impressed."

Plans for the new Abbey Fields swimming pool were first revealed in 2019, and the lido on the site closed in 2021.

But as the digging for the new foundations began, in 2023, the remains of five medieval buildings thought to be linked to the nearby abbey, and dating back to the 13th century, were discovered.

That lead to a delay of six months while new plans were drawn up, which would preserve the remains.

Sinnott said that despite the site being surrounded by medieval remains, it was still a shock to find them below the old lido.

"Oddly, we thought, the only place to build where you won't find anything underground is on the footprint of the old pools. Low and behold, once it was all dug up, it was a surprise to us, but the ancient remains of the abbey were underneath."

The new designs, overseen by Historic England, mean the building is raised 50cm above the historic remains.

That led to the original planned cost of £14.7 million pounds rising to £22.6 million.

"It has been very expensive, it's taken a major investment by the District, but look at the value we are delivering." Sinnott added.

The new facilities include a 25 metre pool, a 15 metre pool with moveable floor to adjust the depth, and the latest technology to improve disabled access in and out of the water.

But those who had tried to keep the lido open have voiced their frustrations that there is no outdoor pool as part of this new facility.

Alex Fuoco-Lang is the Contract Area Manager for Everyone Active who run the facility on behalf of the council, and says this is a more useful space.

" I know there are hardened people who do like a lido, even in the winter, but you can swim all the time here in these two pools. And the fact you have two pools to come to, it means if we are doing one activity, it doesn't mean you can't then swim."

"There is an outdoor terrace in the new design - which can be accessed only through the pool area.

Fuoco-Lang admits they aren't yet sure how that space will be used.

"We may have events out there, we may have yoga and activities out there. We'll develop that as we go."

An open weekend is being held this weekend, 11- 12 July, for people to come and see the new facilities, and swimming sessions are being offered for free.

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