A planning application for the redevelopment work at Castle Farm Recreation ground has been submitted today (February 12).

Application W/21/0169 has been submitted to Warwick District Council Planning Committee for the "Demolition of existing sports centre and erection of new sports centre and Scout and Guide Headquarters with associated parking and landscaping | Castle Farm Sports Centre, Fishponds Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1EY."

The application can be found on the WDC website by following this link and comes as Phase Two of the WDC Leisure Development Program for Kenilworth.

The application has been made by development consultancy company Turley on behalf of WDC.

Described in the application as "no longer fit for purpose," the current two-storey building, which includes a gym and sports hall, changing facilities and associated reception area, with the scout and guide centre located on the first floor, will be demolished if plans are approved.

The proposed development that will replace this will have a reception area leading on to a café, foyer space, and changing facilities on the ground floor.

"An activity space and spin studio will front the building, with the six court main sports hall to the rear, along with outdoor changing facilities, office space and service rooms.

"Scout and Guide facilities are also proposed on the ground floor, with a dedicated separate access point from the building.

"The first floor sits within the front half of the building, providing a fitness suite, studio space, and additional changing facilities and meeting rooms."

The application states that the existing access off Fishponds Road is to be retained as existing as will pedestrian and cycle access, via the link from Borrowell Lane.

The application gives further provision for parking stating: "The sports centre will be served by a car park to the north east of the building. The existing car park is to be redeveloped and extended to provide a total of 198 vehicle spaces, comprising 115 standard bays, 10 family bays, 11 accessible bays, and an overflow area, to the north, capable of accommodating 54 standard bays, or 42 standard bays and two coach spaces.

"Of the 198 spaces, 8 will be EV charging spaces. A further 8 motorcycle spaces and 47 cycle spaces (of which five are secure cycle lockers) will be provided."

This application comes just a week after the application for the twin project at Abbey Fields Leisure Centre was submitted.

The application can be seen in full by following this link.

If the applications is approved then WDC is proposing the following timeline for development:

February 2021 - Commence procurement process

June 2021 - Select preferred demolition and construction contractors

September 2021 - Start on site (demolition)

December 2022 - Abbey Fields Swimming Pool opens

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