Over the years, the pool’s condition significantly deteriorated making it unsafe to use. As a result, a multi-million pound project has been launched to restore the pool to its former glory by completely renovating it.
Work started at the beginning of the summer of 2024 with the council working alongside consultancy company Mace, and contractors, Beard, to ensure progress is being made.
The outdoor pool will welcome new changing rooms, new benches and tables, artwork, a fountain and, most importantly, a fully functioning outdoor swimming pool.
Portsmouth City Council started posting updates surrounding the project in June of last year - and the work that has already been completed is incredible.
Steel reinforcing for the balance tank from the deepest part of the pool has been installed. The first sections of the pool wall have also been formed and the shuttering has been removed.
A balance tank, which has been installed at the pool, is a crucial part of the system as it is a reservoir that helps maintain a consistent water level.
In addition to this, steel reinforcing is now in place along the restored 'lagoons' in the north side of the pool. All of the concrete is finished and the contractors have started preparing the ground for beach huts.

113. Hilsea Lido - March 2025
Drone footage has captured the significant progress being made at Hilsea Lido. Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

114. Hilsea Lido - March 2025
Marcin Jedrysiak has captured some astonishing drone footage of the multi-million pound work being completed at Hilsea Lido. | Marcin Jedrysiak

115. Hilsea Lido - February 2025
Soon a tent will be put up over the pool to protect it from the elements. The ground needs to be stable enough to take the weight. | PCC

116. Hilsea Lido - February 2025
This is a rubble pile the team are using to prepare the ground around the pool ready to be surfaced. | PCC

