The construction of a controversial multi-million pound swimming pool complex in Kenilworth might not go ahead, councillors have admitted. Plans for two new indoor swimming pools with an adjoining cafe and terraced area were met with fierce opposition almost from the outset from people who did not want to lose the lido that had stood on the site.
Opponents to the scheme at Abbey Fields had also pointed to the site's status as a scheduled ancient monument as a reason not to build there. After permission was finally granted by Warwick District Council, building work was suddenly halted in August last year and again in July following the discovery of medieval foundations and artefacts, respectively, dating back to the 13th Century.
And, at a well-supported public meeting on Wednesday night attended by more than 200 people, representatives from WDC and Kenilworth Town Council conceded the project might no longer go ahead at its current site because of the scale of the unrecorded historical finds.
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The meeting at St Nicholas Church featured a briefing from the council’s programme manager on the implications the medieval findings have had on the 'design, planning, cost and timeline' of the project. There was also an overview from WDC Leader, Councillor Ian Davison, on the decision that will need to be taken by elected members 'as to whether to take the existing project forward'.
In a follow-up statement Coun Davison said: "I want to thank everyone who made the effort to come along to this important public event and for giving us the opportunity to explain the challenges we are currently facing and the key decision that our Council will need to make in the coming months on the future of the scheme."
Archaeology Warwickshire delivered a presentation during the meeting on the vast medieval complex of buildings associated with Kenilworth Abbey that has been unearthed. The floor was then opened to questions from the audience which included Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Wright MP, Town and District Councillors and representatives from schools and sports groups.
It was also announced that the public will have the chance to see the archaeological remains found on the Abbey Fields site from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, October 3. Tim Malim, from Hampton Heritage Design and Consultancy Ltd, the project’s archaeological consultant, said: "We appreciate this is a short window for people to see these amazing discoveries.
"But it is vitally important that the ancient structures that have been exposed are now re-covered to ensure that they are preserved in the best possible condition." More information on the Abbey Fields swimming pools project, including 3D model images of the archaeological finds by RiVR.uk, can be found on the WDC website.
There is also an online form available to submit any further questions to the programme team. Those wishing to visit Abbey Fields on October 3 are requested to follow the signage in place and use the entrance located by the temporary toilets next to the site.
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