Plans to build a brand-new leisure centre at Castle Farm in Kenilworth have been given the green light.

Following approval by Warwick District Council's Planning Committee on 15 September, work is set to start next year to replace the existing recreation centre with a multi-million-pound dry sports facility featuring a sports hall, 80 station gym and fitness studios as well as a new HQ for local scouts and guides.

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Liam Bartlett, commented: "This really is great news for the people of Kenilworth and the whole District, and we are delighted that we can now move forward with our plans to make this substantial investment which will bring some of the best leisure facilities in the country to the town."

Everyone Active's Contract Manager Gareth Wagg said: "We are really excited that Castle Farm Recreation Centre will be transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure centre.

"The new facilities will enable us to introduce a wider variety of fitness classes and training programmes, mirroring those already on offer at St Nicholas Park and Newbold Comyn, which are extremely popular. We would like to assure all our customers and members that they will be able to use the other Everyone Active managed centres across the region, during the period when the Kenilworth facilities are closed."

Further updates on the next stage of the Castle Farm redevelopment plans will be made available on the Warwick District Council website.