Amended plans for the new leisure centre for Abbey Fields have been put forward by Warwick District Council (WDC).

The new designs include few visual changes to the previously approved application, but take into account the archaeological remains found in the park.

WDC announced earlier this year that it would be submitting the new plans for approval, with locals told at September's public meeting that a decision should be expected in the new year.

The updated application shows the building has been raised by 500mm and the foundations altered to preserve the remains.

However, the roof has been altered so the overall height will only increase by 350mm.

The raised height has meant a new ramp has been included to the terrace, and the doors to the pool hall moved.

The substation has also been redesigned and to preserve the remains, a layer of native soil will be placed on them and then put in place by hand.

A new mural has been created on the hoardings surrounding the Abbey Fields construction site (image via Brink Contemporary Arts)

"These remains have been carefully excavated and recorded," the amended application said. 

"Design mitigation works within this application seek to redevelop the site as per the previously approved application with design changes allowing to protect the discovered remains. 

"The development will not only be an opportunity to increase the local offering of wet leisure and swimming based activities, but will also increase and enhance the facilities available to park visitors and playground users."

While planners at WDC will now consider the council's own application - before councillors vote on it - the council must also decide whether to press ahead with the new pools in Abbey Fields.

The district council is expected to make a decision on the project in November

If councillors decide to press ahead with the project - which could now cost three times more than originally planned - and the new designs are signed off, work is not expected to start again until March.

The new leisure centre would then not be finished until at least summer 2026.

Meanwhile local campaigners have continued to call on the council to consider other sites for the town's new leisure facilities, saying it must reconsider the "outdated, and unworkable" designs.

A WDC report ahead of the public meeting said a new site would not be completed until 2028 at the earliest.

See the fresh application here.