Plans for a new continuous shared use path across Abbey Fields in Kenilworth were approved by Warwick District Council’s Cabinet at their meeting on 29 April 2026.
The proposals were put together following public consultation with park visitors and residents, which highlighted an increased interest in allowing cycling across Abbey Fields. Thank you to all the Cycleways members who supported the scheme through the consultation process.
This decision has come at a good time, shortly before the new swimming pool complex is due to open in the summer of 2026.
Councillor Hema Yellapragada, Portfolio Holder for Decarbonisation, said:
“This is great news for users of Abbey Fields, providing a shared path which will allow everyone who wants to use the park to travel across it. The design of the route puts safety first, with measures such as clear signage and layout intended to support safe, shared use by pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in busier areas of the park.
“As the scheme is now progressed through the necessary next stages, this will go a long way towards improving active travel links in Kenilworth, and easing the parking pressure in Abbey Fields by supporting priorities set out in local walking and cycling strategies.”
The next stage is to get the necessary statutory permissions and consents in place, including planning permission and Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England.
The final designs for the scheme were produced with support from Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans).