Published: Thursday, 15th August 2019

Warwick District Council’s project team has undertaken an ‘in depth’ analysis of the demand for and access to swimming across the district.

This is part of the planning process for the proposed extension and improvement of Kenilworth’s leisure facilities.

Abbey Fields 3D plan 3

The new plans for Abbey Fields propose replacing the existing outdoor pool (installed following the closure of the Lido in 1983) with a second indoor pool which can be opened up to an adjoining sun terrace in warmer weather. The designs for the new pool follow consultation with leading specialists and advice from Swim England and will have a moveable floor allowing the water depth to be altered in a matter of minutes to meet the needs of young children, parents and babies or aqua aerobics sessions. There will also be direct pool access via a hoist from a ‘Changing Place’ facility for the disabled, the first of its kind in the district.

Local parent and ambassador for Changing Place facilities Emily Naismith commented;

Francesca Anker and Emily Naismith ambassador for Changing Places

Francesca Anker and Emily Naismith ambassador for Changing Places

“I am sure that I can speak for the whole of the local disabled community in saying that I am delighted with the new designs for Abbey Fields. I am especially pleased that you are not only planning a Changing Place facility, but that it will include a hoist which can take a disabled person directly into the pool without the need for unnecessary transfers. Many people take going swimming with their families for granted, at the moment families like mine simply don’t have access, this will be life-changing for so many people across the district.”

The Kenilworth Leisure proposals will be considered by the Council’s Executive on Wednesday 21 August. View the report and the architect drawings of the plans. The drawings are also on display at Abbey Fields Swimming Pool.

Feeds from the web