UK’s deepest lido to reopen next summer following huge renovation – after being forced to close two years ago
A DISUSED water attraction in the UK is set to reopen for its 90th anniversary following a huge renovation project.
When the summer arrives and sunny days return, people up and down the country will be heading to their local lido to cool down.
One place where that hasn’t been possible since 2022 is Portsmouth, as Hilsea Lido has been closed for the last two years.
However, that’s set to change soon with funding secured as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Package.
£8.75million will go towards creating Linear Park, the longest urban park in the UK.
Hilsea Lido, which will be located inside the park, will be renovated as part of the multi-million pound funding package.
The 1930s lido first closed its doors back in 2007, but it reopened back in 2014 after its management was taken over by Hilsea Lido Pool for the People – a charity formed by residents.
The charity group was forced to close Hilsea Lido in 2022 because its old infrastructure was in desperate need of a refurb.
Plans to transform Hilsea Lido, which is the deepest lido in Britain, where unveiled earlier this year.
According to The News, once the lido has reopened it will have upgraded facilities including revamped changing room facilities and toilet and shower cubicles with accessible access.
Major changes are underfoot at the lido’s social hub too, with the cafe area set for refurbishment.
The lido pools and lagoons will also be restored, with new outdoor showers, a seating area, plant and filtration systems and plant room roof being added.
Kelly Nash, corporate performance manager at Portsmouth City Council told The News: “We’re excited to see the site come back to life again.
“We’ve placed the themes from the original consultation at the heart of the developments. It is about energy we want to put back in the place and how it makes us feel, almost as if it’s going on holiday at home.
“We were very lucky to secure the funding, and it’s great to turn it into something on the ground for the community.”
Designs will be finalised by June, with construction work slated to last until March 2025.
It is hoped that Hilsea Lido will reopen in 2025 to mark its 90th anniversary.
There are plenty of other lidos in the UK that are currently being renovated too.
One of those places is Broomhill open air swimming pool, which has been closed for over two decades.
However, that’s set to change soon with funding secured for a £10m redevelopment of the pool.
Once reopened it will have its original “characteristic feel” as well as some new facilities for users to make the most of.
The plans include the return of the diving boards and the grandstand next to the pool, while a health and well-being centre will also be built.
Work will take place over a two-year period, with a planned opening in early 2026.
Meanwhile, travel writer Catherine Lofthouse recently revealed her favourite little-known Lido in the UK where the pool is heated and kids can swim for free.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
And Cleveland Pools in Bath, the oldest lido in the UK, reopened last year following a 20-year campaign by the Cleveland Pools Trust.
Here are some other outdoor pools in the UK to visit.
