The steel frame for the new Castle Farm Recreation Centre is close to being completed as work on site continues to progress.

Demolition of the old sports hall was completed on July 31, with Kier Construction moving on site on August 3.

A report presented to Kenilworth Town Council last week states that the steel frame will be completed this December.

The next stage of the project will then see the slabs that create the upper level flooring installed by January 30 2023.

Live electricity for the building is expected to be turned on in April next year with the project completed in November.

The KTC report also stated that hedges and trees will need to be removed in preparation for the headwall to be installed.

Replacement trees will be plants.

The council also said contractors had been keeping local residents updated with the progress of the project.

While the project is well underway, questions continue to be asked about the rising costs. A report to be discussed by Warwick District Council this week has revealed that the price of the project has gone up by 42 per cent.

In September 2021 Kier estimated a £9,937,000 price tag but the project will now set WDC back £14,153,000.

The new facility will include a sports hall, 80 station gym and fitness studios as well as a new base for local scouts and guides.

Work on the site - which has been closed by December - was delayed by "negotiations and re-costing" which were blamed on "soaring building costs and supply chain issues" by the district council.