Kenilworth Swimming Pool progress

News and Comment from Labour Councillors

This project is back on track, and Councillors Jim Sinnott and Chris King explain here the current state of play, and some history. 

Take a look at this video by Warwick District Council, presented by Chris and the Senior Project Manager, Robert Johnstone. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1C9bP5mLLt

Chris says, “We can look forward to having a wonderful facility here. The residents of Kenilworth and of the district have been waiting for a long time, and we are really proud as a District Council to be bringing this forward.”

There has been a complicated piling process to protect the enormous heritage value underground. It’s a difficult technical construction project, and from the outside of the site that can’t be seen.

Robert Johnstone notes that at the end of February 2025 they should be starting to create the frame; sometimes people do not appreciate how much work goes into groundworks.

A little history

Jim Sinnott, District Councillor and Portfolio holder for Safer, Healthier & Active Communities says, “There was a lot of push-back when we were conceiving this essential project. The Tories were against it, and the Lib Dems on the fence. We’re in coalition with the Greens and they have kindly supported us.” 

People often ask about the increasing costs and say it should have been obvious that it would be an archaeological site.

It’s quite right of course that Abbey Fields is going to have cultural and historical relics underground, but it was also obvious that the most sensible place to dig was under the existing pool buildings. Unfortunately, the contractors and planners in the 1980s did not have our focus on protecting archaeology. “It was a bit of a hospital pass,” says Jim. “We could either give up, or knuckle down and deliver a facility that Kenilworth needs, and something that the district can be proud of.” 

We also know that Sport England specifies what we should have for our local population and demographic, and the new pools will deliver that. Cllr Sinnott adds, “it was our duty, and it was the right thing to do.” 

The Tories complain about the expense, while paying an extra £16 million on a bridge to nowhere over the A46. Meanwhile, parents in Kenilworth have to travel with their kids for swimming lessons. Cllr Sinnott says, “Newbold Comyn and St. Nicks have great facilities; we have gone for excellence in Kenilworth too.” 

It’s just not true what the Tories say about costs to Kenilworth residents. Just like other major projects, the cost is spread around the whole District. The new pools will be there for generations to enjoy.