Abandoned reservoir could become new outdoor lido with sauna pods, heated pool and cafe
A NEW outdoor swimming pool could open in the UK – taking over an abandoned 115-year-old reservoir.
Kettlewell Reservoir was built in 1909 in the St Ives Regional Park in Bingley.
However, it was left to ruin and has since been abandoned, with nature taking over it following a number of leaks.
Yorkshire Swim Works have launched a campaign to turn it into an outdoor lido complex.
It would be the first “public, naturally filtered” outdoor pool in the UK.
Along with the main outdoor 50m swimming pool there would also be a shallow play area and a smaller heated pool.
The main pool wouldn’t be heated, but plans also include sauna pods to warm up in.
Classes and lessons would be part of the swimming pool timetable, with space for casual swimmers and six lanes for the more competitive ones.
Changing rooms, a deck area and even an event area are part of the plans.
A cafe would serve snacks and drinks onsite too.
Yorkshire Swim Works Russell Bowman said the project was “ambitious” but fitting of the area.
They said: “With a young family myself, seeing investment in the area, new opportunities for them and the potential economic boost of tourists coming to the area fills me with excitement.
“I believe that YSW can be a catalyst for the next stage in Bingley’s evolution and an incredible boost to the St Ives Estate that has struggled in recent times.”
It is yet to receive any form of planning permission, so any confirmation of predicted opening dates is yet to be revealed.
However, if given the go-ahead, works would start late 2025.
If it did get the go-ahead, it would be just 20 minutes from Leeds by train.
Until then, the nearest lido to visit is Ilkley Pool and Lido, around 30 minutes away.
It’s not the only new lido hoping to open in the UK.
A multi-purpose leisure attraction with an outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing zone hopes to open in Valentine’s Park in London.
Hoping to open by autumn 2025, it would replace the current one that closed in the park 30 years ago.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK
- 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 a floating lido could even open in London, with plans revealed for Regent’s Canal.
We’ve even spoken to a ‘lido expert’ on where her favourite ones in the UK are.