New pool design approved after six-month delay

The new designs see the leisure centre being built on a large slab of concrete

Work to redevelop a leisure centre will finally go ahead after being delayed for nearly six months following the discovery of medieval ruins and rising costs.

A new design and budget - more than 50% higher than originally planned - was agreed for the Abbey Fields Leisure Centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

The new layout will mean the entire building will be constructed on 211 struts designed not to damage the 13th Century ruins.

Construction work is expected to begin in spring.

The new facility is set to feature two pools, a sun deck and cafe

Medieval ceramics and at least five buildings were discovered at the Abbey Fields site in September, bringing redevelopment work to a halt.

The new building will sit 50cm (19.6 inches) above the ruins on a large concrete slab.

Warwick District Council said finding a new site could be more expensive and scrapping the idea would be against residents' wishes.

Amended plans, including raising the height of the foundations, meant the cost would rise from £14.7m to £22.6m.

A drone's view of the site shows where the 13th Century ruins were found

The total cost of the project was £10m more than originally planned, with work set to start in March and expected to be finished by summer 2026.

Plans will see two pools, a sun deck and a cafe being built at the new swimming facility.

"It's a new design which take all the weight off the medieval remains, fully approved by Historic England," said Paddy Herlihy, the leisure programme manager at Warwick District Council.

"I'm personally and professionally delighted that piling rigs will be going on site in March and we'll be starting building this," he added.

"The people of Kenilworth have been without a pool for too long and we want to provide it as soon as we can."