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.
17. Hilsea Lido
These little beach huts are going to be the changing rooms at the lido and will have pitched roofs and a lockable door. The huts will stretch the length of the old lido building and there will be 16 induvial huts and four family ones. | PCC
18. Hilsea Lido 2026
On Monday, March 23, 2026, Portsmouth City Council marked the completion of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hilsea Lido by officially handing the site over to its new operators. Pictured is: (l-r) Gareth Walters, senior site manager for Beard Construction, Judit Kollat, General Manager Hilsea Lido, Harry Smith, Director, Sea Lanes, Duncan Anderson, CEO South Downs Leisure, Penny Mordaunt, Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council and cllr. Lee Hunt. Picture: Sarah Standing (230326-7470) | Sarah Standing
19. Hilsea Lido 2026
On Monday, March 23, 2026, Portsmouth City Council marked the completion of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hilsea Lido by officially handing the site over to its new operators. Pictured is: (l-r) Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes. and Duncan Anderson, South Downs Leisure chief executive. Picture: Sarah Standing (230326-7492) | Sarah Standing
20. Hilsea Lido March 2026
The outdoor shower bases have been painted blue - same as the pool. A plumber is currently installing the actual showers. There will be four in total. | PCC