"Considerable" costs are likely to stop a "dilapidated" historic building in the centre of Kenilworth being brought back into use any time soon.

That was the message from the councillor in charge of parks and open spaces at last week's full Warwick District Council meeting as he was asked about the future of The Pavilion in Abbey Fields.

Kenilworth Councillor James Kennedy had asked whether the building - which sits by the playground - could be restored.

"The building known as The Pavilion in Abbey Fields in Kenilworth has been disused and neglected for a number of years," he said. 

"With the impending completion of the new swimming pools, can the council please bring forward plans to restore the building to coincide with the opening of the new swimming pools. 

"This should be done in consultation with interested community groups including Friends of Abbey Fields and Kenilworth Town Council, who are keen to ensure this much-loved and sadly dilapidated building is brought back into use in ways that can contribute to the amenity, heritage and biodiversity of Abbey Fields."

In response, portfolio holder for neighbourhood, Cllr Will Roberts, said there had been a number of suggestions for The Pavilion, but said the costs involved could be prohibitive in the short term.

"The Pavilion is highlighted in the Abbey Fields management plan as an opportunity to do something from its traditional use," he explained. 

"There have been different proposals for it from different community groups."

He continued: "Everyone would like to see this opened up again and used for the benefit of the community. 

"Unfortunately early estimate costs are quite considerable to make the building fit for use and there is currently no funding for this. 

"At this point bringing the building back to use to coincide with the opening of the swimming pool might be a bit too ambitious. 

"But I would be happy to speak to you and other Kenilworth councillors about bringing this project forward."