Published: Monday, 4th March 2024

Hundreds of people from the local community came along to a free open day on Saturday 24 February to celebrate the official opening of Castle Farm Leisure Centre in Kenilworth.

At the fun-filled event, members of the public were invited to take part in a range of free taster activities, including group exercise classes, football skills, basketball and pickleball – a racquet sport with elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton.

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist Colin Jackson and freestyle footballer and Guinness World Record holder Jamie Knight. Both special guests took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony, together with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox and representatives from Warwick District Council and Everyone Active to mark the grand opening.

Councillor Sidney Syson, Chairman of Warwick District Council said: “The Council is making a huge investment in the leisure provision for Kenilworth and the wider district, demonstrating our commitment to keeping our local communities healthy and active.

"It’s therefore been great to see local people enjoying this wonderful building with fantastic new facilities and equipment which is now available to them and the inclusive fitness environment that has been created for all ages and abilities.”

VIPs stood at Castle Farm Leisure Centre, including Sir Jeremy Wright MP, Cllr Sidney Syson, High Sheriff of Warwickshire, and Colin Jackson

Alex Fuoco-Lang, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We were delighted with the turnout at our open day – it was a huge success, and it was great to see the local community enjoying all the fantastic facilities here.

“While Castle Farm has been open since December last year, this open day was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work that has gone into building the centre.

“It was very rewarding to see the centre thriving as a real community hub that is helping people in the area stay active and try out new activities.”

Tony Shenton, regional director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “We have used our expertise in building modern leisure centre facilities to deliver an important community asset that will serve Kenilworth for generations to come.”

Castle Farm Leisure Centre opened to the public in December 2023 following a £16 million build completed over 20 months, a project which also saw the creation of a new headquarters for the Kenilworth Scouts and Guides in the adjacent building. The centre is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Warwick District Council.

Jamie Knight and Colin Jackson in front of the Everyone Active sign

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