Britain’s deepest pool boasting its own lagoon & cafe moves one step closer to reopening as it’s seen under construction
THE nation’s deepest lido has moved one step closer to reopening and is in the final stages after a huge renovation project – just in time to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
Hilsea Lido, an open-air swimming pool, is expected to boast revamped changing room facilities, lagoons and a café alongside the original 1930s 67m long basin.
Portsmouth City Council have been in charge of the transformation after they received funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Package.
It is estimated that £8.75 million will go towards Linear Park, where Hilsea Lido can be found inside.
The multi-million pound funding package has been used to restore the Portsmouth pool which has been closed since 2022.
Hilsea Lido has faced a spate of closures over the years with intermittent periods of access for swimmers.
First closing its doors in 2007, the pool was reopened in 2014 by a charity group formed by residents, Hilsea Lido Pool for the People.
Unfortunately, the necessity for refurbishment led to the closure eight years on.
But the latest news confirms plans to offer locals a chance to return to the cooling-off spot.
The latest photos have revealed the development of the construction suggesting the pool is still on track to reopen in 2025.
According to The News, the last of the concrete has been poured for the base of the pool meaning attention can now be focused on the sides.
In one of the pictures, the evened out concrete can be seen levelled out to its final height.
These will be completed as soon as the steel work has been finished around the permieter.
Pipework is also yet to be laid underground to connect the water tank, pool and the plant room.
The temporary support red wall has also been shown fixed in place allowing the concrete to set in the right shape and give it time to strengthen.
Earlier this month, the MP for Portsmouth North took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share her experiences of seeing the progress of the construction work herself.
Amanda Louise Martin said: “Great memories as a kid here so it was good to visit Hilsea Lido, meet the team and see the exciting progress happening in the ground.
“Over 85 tons of steel on site, trenches dug, and the new base of the pool ready for the rest of the concrete.”
Portsmouth City Council posted their latest update via a Facebook post.
It read: “The team have been very busy onsite despite all the terrible weather we’ve had!
“The last of the concrete has been poured onto the base of the pool, bringing it up to its final level and is now ready for rendering.
“The sides of the pool are next, the steel work is going into place and the concrete will be poured in and held in place by a huge shutter, which will support the wet concretes until it hardens and sets.
“They’re also busy working on the filtration system, with all the underground pipework connecting the pool, water filter and plant room.”
The post has gained nearly 300 likes and over 20 comments so far with many taking to the comments section to express their excitement for the return of their local lido.
One person said: “Wow!! Thank you for the info.”
Another wrote: “Looking forward to it being all done.”
Someone else commented: “Hopefully we can take the kids here next year.”
A fourth user put: “Looking good babes xx”
Hilsea is not the only UK lido to undergo renovation work recently.
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.
Broomhill open air swimming pool has been closed for over two decades but funding has been secured for a £10 million redevelopment of the site.
Plans suggest the work will take place for two years meaning the pool could open as early as 2026.
Meanwhile, the UK’s oldest lido, Cleveland Pools in Bath, offered swimmers the chance to make a splash after a 20-year campaign by the Cleveland Pools Trust.