The English market town that could get a new multi-million pound lido after closing nearly 20 years ago
A NEW lido is on the cards for a little-known market town in the East Midlands.
Daventry Lido in Northamptonshire was forced to close in 2006 because of running costs.
The lido was reportedly demolished, with its site remaining vacant since the mid-noughties.
Its fortune could soon be set to change thanks to two local businessmen.
Lifelong friends Peter O’Neill and Tim Perkin are hoping to revive the lido with an ambitious multi-million-pound vision.
The duo wants to open the outdoor pool as a year-round swimming venue.
They are also looking to open restaurants on its site in a bid to make the lido the focal point of the town.
Peter O’Neill told the Daventry Express: “I remember when the Daventry swimming pool was open – it was great. It was a focal point. If they’re done properly, they’re great.
“It’d bring more people to the town. I think the potential is fantastic. We just want a conversation opened with the council.”
While the pair hopes to mimic the success of Saltdean Lido near Brighton, they have already encountered roadblocks, such as ‘dreadful’ communication from West Northamptonshire Council.
They claim they have been unable to secure a meeting with West Northamptonshire Council despite months of emails and calls.
Plans have yet to be approved, which means a potential opening date can not be announced.
Other details, such as funding for the project, also have not been revealed.
It is not the first time locals in Daventry have attempted to rebuild the outdoor pool.
A campaign to rebuild the lido launched back in 2021, with more than 2,500 signing a petition to back the plans.
Daventry Lido opened to the public in 1962 after five children drowned while swimming in a nearby reservoir.
The lido was forced to close four decades later because of its running costs.
If Daventry does get a new lido it is hoped more tourists would visit the Northamptonshire market town.
Elsewhere in the UK, Cleveland Pools, a lido in Bath, will remain closed despite undergoing a huge multi-million-pound renovation in the last few years.
After being closed for 39 years, the historic lido reopened in 2023 following a £9.3million renovation.
Just months after reopening, the Bath lido was forced to close after damage caused by a flood, and it is not yet known when the lido will reopen to the public.
Meanwhile, Manchester is set to get its first new lido for 40 years.
Here are some other outdoor pools in the UK to visit.
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.
Kent’s The Strand Lido in Gillingham has been compared to Greece because of its bright blue and white design.
And a lido in London is said to have similar vibes to that of Tenerife.