UK city’s 1935 lido unrecognisable after £7.75m transformation
Hilsea Lido (Image: Hilsea Lido/Facebook)
Britain’s lidos peaked in popularity during the 1920s and 30s as centres for community health and leisure. The outdoor swimming pools represented a break from Victorian modesty, allowing mixed-gender sport, sunbathing, and socialising but some have been taken better care of than others. After operating for over 70 years, Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth, Hampshire suffered a major closure in 2007, before reopening in 2014, then shutting up again in 2022 for a multi-million pound revamp.
The site is now scheduled to reopen in May 2026 after three years of renovation. The lido has handed over the keys of the site to a new operator, Sea Lanes Brighton, who are “Absolutely thrilled,” says Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes.
He added: “It’s an honour to be trusted with such an iconic and much-loved local landmark, and we can’t wait to bring the site back to life for the community.”
After years of diligent organisation and extensive construction work, the lido can now open their doors and “welcome everyone back.”
Carried out by Portsmouth City Council, yesterday marked the refurbishment of this 90-year old outdoor pool, paid for by the Levelling Up Fund.
But what has actually changed in this extensive renovation?
READ MORE: Pretty UK seaside town with eerie abandoned attraction getting incredible revamp
READ MORE: Major boost for seaside town as lido to open this summer despite closure fears
Hilsea Lido was built in 1935 (Image: Hilsea Lido/Facebook)
The lido has kept families entertained for generations (Image: Hilsea Lido/Facebook)
Included is the installation of new modular shower units, toilets and beach-themed changing huts, entailing 80 tonnes of steel reinforcement and 30 lorry-loads of concrete to strengthen the pool.
The official opening is set for May 2, which provides food and drink. Mr Smith outlined plans to host a timetable of events, community activities and classes so the pool becomes the hub it once was in the city.
Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Steve Pitt said: “We are really looking forward to the official opening when it comes early in May and we wish Sea Lanes and the team all the best, and we do hope you enjoy what we’ve created here at Hilsea.”
He added: “It’s a very big day for Hilsea Lido. Being here and seeing just what an amazing transformation this has been for our historic lido that so many of us remember so fondly from our childhood is incredible and it’s going to be a massive opportunity for a new generation to make new memories and have a fantastic time in this outdoor environment.”
The lido has had a major facelift (Image: Hilsea Lido/Facebook)
Facilities like these are vital for children’s swimming abilities in particular.
School of play found that an estimated 1 in 3 children in England leave primary school without basic swimming abilities, transforming an otherwise joyful activity into a potential hazard.
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in children in the UK, according to the Royal Life Saving Society.
Regular swimming sessions from a young age can offer significant physical health benefits, including improved stamina, flexibility, and strength, with evidence to suggest that swimming can enhance mood and self-esteem, found Bupa.
Overcoming the obstacle of access for children, particularly those in state schools, by providing swimming facilities such as Hilsea Lido, is a necessity for child safety, physical health, and mental well-being.
An artist’s impression of the redevelopment opening in a matter of weeks (Image: Hilsea Lido/Facebook)
However, for Hilsea, there is still more work to be done.
Mr Smith stated: “We’ve got to do some finishing touches before opening day, and then we’ll be looking ahead to phase two and understanding how the community uses the lido and what they want to see from the lido in the future as well, and then we’ll be looking at the rejuvenation of the whole site.”
Better.org surveyed people who regularly swim at their swimming pools to find out how they feel about their local facility. They enquired into the thoughts of the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) for their thoughts.
STA’s CEO Dave Candler said: “In our recent survey for International Learn to Swim Week, we positively found that 70% of parents think swimming is the most valuable sport for children to learn. Sadly, however, due to ageing pool stock and the cost of maintenance, we have seen more and more of our community pools close in recent years.”
Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, said: “It’s hugely exciting and a new chapter for the whole of Portsmouth. When you talk to people in the local area, they’ve all got memories of Hilsea Lido and I think they can’t wait to get back and splash in this pool again.
“It looks fabulous doesn’t it? – It’s going to be incredible when it’s got people in it.”
