Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Local, national, international and oddball news stories

Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Thu Jan 10, 2019 4:43 pm

Plans to close a town's outdoor pool, which have been opposed by campaigners, have been given the go-ahead

Image

A new all-year-round family pool beside an existing inside pool is being planned in Kenilworth, following the Warwick District Council vote.

The town has had an outdoor pool at Abbey Fields for 123 years and closure would mark the end of an era, a campaign group has said.

There were "Shame on you" shouts from the public gallery after the decision.

Campaigners said a meeting would take place on Saturday.

The planned family pool had "the potential to be opened up in the summer months to give direct access to an outside terrace" and would help to meet "the substantial demand locally for more swimming lessons", the council said.

Abbey Fields' outdoor pool will shut permanently after the vote by the authority's executive on Wednesday.

The green light was given to further design work on plans to extend Kenilworth's leisure facilities, including building a new leisure centre with a six-court sports hall and gym on the site of the Castle Farm Recreation Centre.

:bbc_news:
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Tue Mar 05, 2019 11:23 pm

Restore Kenilworth Lido campaign continues to gather momentum

Image

Campaign group Restore Kenilworth Lido has now taken action to seek a legal opinion on the decision making process of Warwick District Council in regard to its plans to replace the town’s open air swimming pool with an indoor facility.

The group has said that it believes the consultation process resulting in the decision to close outdoor pool in Abbey Fields from September 2019 was “fundamentally flawed”.

And members have launched an online crowdfunding campaign on the crowdjustice.com website to raise money to pay for the legal challenge.

While “wholeheartedly” supporting plans to refurbish the current indoor pool, campaigners want the council to consider building a “25-metre heated outdoor pool, open all year round with special events for sports enthusiasts and families, a training site for triathletes and a venue for unique cultural events.”

The group has said: “This would be a brilliant amenity for people of all ages in Kenilworth and across the Midlands now and for future generations.

“Detailed plans have been drawn up by a local architect that show this is possible but this option was never put to the people of Kenilworth.

“Our only course of action now is to seek legal review of the decision.

“We have been advised that the way that the consultation was conducted may have been unlawful.

“We are seeking your support to obtain an opinion from a QC to confirm this.

“Without this information, we do not know if we can pursue legal action and we are left with a decision that does not represent the views of the people of Kenilworth - that may well be based on inaccurate information - and the loss of a historic and unique amenity forever.”

The campaigners are aiming to raise £2,500 to cover the costs of a solicitor instructing a QC to provide an opinion on whether there are legal grounds to challenge the decision.

So far, more than £1,400 has been donated towards this.

Group members have also gathered 3,800 signatures online and 600 on paper in favour of retaining outdoor swimming in Kenilworth, formally asked the council to pause its decision in order to look further into the feasibility of retaining the outdoor pool and helped 1,000 Kenilworth residents send postcards to councillors asking for the pool to be saved.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Fri Apr 19, 2019 1:48 pm

Artists called to create vision for Kenilworth Lido campaign

Image

ARTIST Karen Pittaway has used her skills with a paintbrush to show her support for the Kenilworth Lido campaign.

The town-based artist has created her own vision of what a new Abbey Fields outdoor pool could look like.

And the Restore Kenilworth Lido (RKL) campaign group hope it will inspire young and old alike within the community to submit their own ideas for an outdoor swimming as part of its Vision for Kenilworth Lido initiative which runs until April 30.

Campaign spokesperson Martin Seaton said: “It’s encouraging to see so many people are recognising the potential that the lido option has to offer.

“It’s not difficult to imagine what it could be, when you look at other successful lidos such as Stratford Park in Stroud, Cheltenham, Banbury and Droitwich, and talk to people who enjoy the many benefits of outdoor swimming.”

RKL want to see the existing outdoor fun shaped pool in Abbey Fields replaced with a heated lido which could be used all year round.

But Warwick District Council approved design work on proposals in January to build a new indoor pool as part of a major overhaul of both the swimming pool and Castle Farm Recreation Centre in the town – at a cost of up to £24million.

The council say an indoor pool would meet the ‘substantial demand’ locally for more swimming lessons and during the summer could be ‘opened up’ onto an adjoining new terrace.

Businesses backing the lido campaign include Kenilworth Books, David Lee Solicitors, The Tree House Bookshop, Kenilworth Arts Festival, The Orangery, Grounds Farm, Pansy Potter, Antigo, The Farthing Gallery, Warren’s Bakery, Coventry BID, Talisman Office Services, Cory Barrett Design Consultant and Castle Mortgages. Nationally The Outdoor Swimming Society and the British Triathlon Federation.

Visit http://www.restorekenilworthlido.org.uk for more on the campaign, and details of how to submit a Vision for Kenilworth Lido.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Thu May 30, 2019 6:56 pm

Call for re-think on Kenilworth lido axe - amid claim just 14 swimmers could use new pool

Image

CAMPAIGNERS say a proposed swimming pool in Kenilworth is not up to scratch and would fit just 14 swimmers in.

The new £9million indoor pool is set to replace the current outdoor pool at Abbey Fields as part of a revamp of the leisure centre by Warwick District Council.

But campaigners from Restore Kenilworth Lido say such a small number of swimmers would make the pool crowded and the development would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

To showcase the size, the team spread out tarpaulin measuring the same as the 15 x 8 metre planned pool and invited people to take a ‘dip’.

A campaign group spokeswoman said: “The new indoor pool is considerably shorter than a tennis court and, with 14 people in the pool, swimming would be far from fun – more like a dodgems arcade.

“A second indoor pool is really not good use of up to £9million of taxpayer’s money and the council need to halt any further action and look at the feasibility of the lido option.

“The group’s vision is of a re-furbished indoor pool complemented by a 25m heated outdoor pool.”

But Warwick District Council says the new pool will be ‘ideal’ for the activities it has planned.

There are also plans to revamp the town’s Castle Farm Recreation Centre with a six court sports hall, 80 station gym and two fitness studios.

Depending on final designs the cost for both projects could be up to £24million.

Image

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby Melisandre » Thu May 30, 2019 9:09 pm

What a waste of money if it ain't broke don't fix it imo. Looks like same kind of idiots that run other councils.
User avatar
Melisandre
 
Posts: 14096
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:52 am

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:32 pm

Kenilworth lido: Designs for replacement pool revealed

Image

Designs for an indoor pool to replace a lido have been revealed to the "disappointment" of campaigners.

Warwick District Council has published artist's impressions for the new Abbey Fields pool in Kenilworth which it says will "cater for all the community".

They show a 15m indoor pool at the existing leisure centre, as well as an adjoining sun terrace and cafe.

The decision to close the outdoor pool was made in January, but put on hold following local elections in May.

Campaigners previously said there had been an outdoor pool at Abbey Fields for 123 years.

Speaking on Tuesday, a spokesman for Kenilworth Lido Campaign Group said members were "surprised and deeply disappointed to discover that the proposal does not include any provision whatsoever for outdoor swimming on the current site".

Image

He said members were also "most concerned" they were not given "the opportunity to fully engage with the council about its revised proposal... despite the promises made following the recent election".

May's elections saw the Greens take all three seats from the Conservatives in the Kenilworth Park Hill ward including that of council leader Andrew Mobbs.

Reasons for not directly replacing the outdoor pool include the cost of heating it and the extra carbon emissions.

In its latest report, the council says the new indoor pool would instead "open up to the outdoors in the summer through a wall of bi-fold doors".

The report also recommends moving ahead with plans for a new Castle Farm leisure centre.

Proposals are expected to go before the council's executive later this month with a further public consultation scheduled for October.

Image

:bbc_news:
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:02 pm

Swimming pool upgrade plans to go ahead

Image

Plans to upgrade a Kenilworth swimming pool have been given the go-ahead.

The outdoor Abbey Fields Swimming Pool, which had been open for 123 years, shut in 2019.

There had been anger from residents over the closure, with campaigners at the time saying there was "overwhelming support" to keep the facility.

Following approval by Warwick District Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday, work is set to start early next year to improve the site, and create a second indoor pool with an adjoining sun terrace and a café.

Councillor Liam Bartlett said it was "great news"

Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, Gareth Wagg added: "We are really excited that the new plans for Abbey Fields Swimming Pool will now be realised, allowing us to expand our swimming lesson programmes and sessions."

:bbc_news:
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Fri Dec 17, 2021 8:28 pm

Kenilworth lido set to close despite campaign

Image

Paralympic gold medallist Melanie Barratt says it will be a "sad weekend for everyone" as an outdoor pool in Warwickshire closes for good.

Residents in Kenilworth have been campaigning to save the lido, which has a 125-year history.

But Warwick District Council said earlier this year Abbey Fields Swimming Pool would be replaced with an indoor pool with modernised facilities.

The pool will close on Saturday, which Ms Barratt said was an "end of an era".

In a post on the Kenilworth Vibes Facebook group, Ms Barratt said: "I learnt the joy of swimming from playing in an outdoor pool, like so many people we heard from during our campaign I spent many hours with my family having fun outside.

"This has stayed with me, and will do forever.

"At this pool I had my very first ever training session with this incredible man Scott Hatfield who taught me to swim, and to compete, and waved me off to many international events. I owe so much to this man and this pool… so many memories, happy and sad."

She added that generations in the area would "miss out" on enjoying an outdoor pool.

Planning permission has been granted for a 15m indoor pool at the existing leisure centre, as well as a sun terrace and cafe.

The development is part of multimillion-pound plans for a sports hall, gym and fitness studios, plus a new HQ for local scouts and guides on the site of Castle Farm Recreation Centre, which will be renamed Castle Farm Leisure Centre.

:bbc_news:
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:23 pm

Medieval wall find delays major swimming pool revamp

Image

Groundwork for a multi-million pound swimming pool revamp in Warwickshire has stalled after archaeologists uncovered a section of medieval wall. The new discovery at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth is believed to be part of a water mill which stood on the site in medieval times.

It is being carefully analysed by experts from Historic England, Archaeology Warwickshire and local historians. In the meantime, Warwick District Council’s design team and their contractors AR Demolition and Kier Construction will carefully clear a larger portion of the site to see if any more walls or other remains can be found.

Liam Bartlett, WDC's leisure boss, said: "Given the historic significance of Abbey Fields we will need to establish the full extent of the walls and ensure that they can be preserved in situ. Although this discovery will not prevent the construction of the new building, it could affect its design as we will need to decide whether the walls should be carefully buried or put on show."

"This development has put a temporary hold on the signing of contracts, while we assess the financial implications of any changes or further delays to the programme. It is however hoped that this can be resolved very soon and that work on site can begin in early September, after the school holidays."

In recent weeks other preparatory work has continued with the installation of a new path around the rear of the old swimming pool building. The council said the path would ensure pedestrians can continue to cross Finham Brook, and gain access to the park safely when construction site hoardings are in place, by using the bridge near to the duck-feeding platform.

Construction work for the controversial new swimming centre at Abbey Fields, which was fought for years by campaigners keen to keep the town's outdoor pool, is due to start in September. In addition to a second indoor pool, to replace the popular old lido, the centre will boast a sun-terrace and café.

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Kenilworth's historic lido to shut permanently

Postby dutchman » Fri Jul 14, 2023 8:39 pm

Medieval remains found under old swimming pool

Image

Extensive medieval remains found during work to build a new swimming pool are "remarkable", a heritage body said.

The foundations and walls of buildings were discovered at Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, in the past few months, Warwick District Council said.

"The quality and extent of these archaeological remains is remarkable," said Neil Rimmington, from Historic England.

The find will affect the project's timescale, the council added.

The remains appear to be of monastic buildings but their purpose is not yet known, a council spokesperson added.

Abbey Fields was once farmland which belonged to St Mary's Abbey until it was dissolved in the 16th Century.

The discovery was made by a firm demolishing the previous pool as it carried out investigations of the site with Archaeology Warwickshire.

Work will be carried out with Historic England to determine the best way to preserve and record what has been found, the council spokesperson said.

They could also affect the design of the new building, they added.

Mr Rimmington said the discovery would "provide an amazing insight into the history and everyday life of this monastic site".

A report will be drawn up for councillors once the best solution and new timescales for the construction work have been agreed.

Work began in September on the new multi-million pound swimming centre, which will include a second indoor pool.

:bbc_news:
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50286
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Next

Return to News

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 9 guests

  • Ads