The outdoor pool originally opened its doors back in 1935 by Portsmouth City Council but its condition significantly deteriorated over the years, making it unsafe to use.
Following multiple consultations, a multi-million pound project was launched last year to completely restore the pool to its former glory. The pool, which will open in the summer, will feature new changing rooms, new benches and tables, artwork, a fountain and, most importantly, a fully functioning outdoor swimming pool.
In the most recent updates, the pool has been completely concreted and the contractors are currently pumping water out of the pool that collected in there over Christmas.
Bright shower unit cabins have now been installed at the lido. They need to be plumbed in and have gas and electrical connections completed.
The plant room floor has been concreted, and work will start to reinforce the walls. Three filtration tanks will be installed in the plant room in due course.
137. Hilsea Lido - October 2024
To concrete the sides the team will need to use this 'shutter', which is a temporary support to hold the wet concrete in place until it hardens and sets. If this wasn't used the concrete wouldn't set in the right shape, but also wouldn't have the strength it needs. | Portsmouth City Council Photo: Portsmouth City Council
138. Hilsea Lido - October 2024
The team are working on the filtration system pipework which will all be underground eventually, connecting the water tank, the pool and the plant room | Portsmouth City Council Photo: Portsmouth City Council
139. Hilsea Lido - October 2024
As the base of the pool has had the final concrete pour, the team are now preparing the sides of the pool. The steel work is going in, and then the sides will be concreted too | Portsmouth City Council Photo: Portsmouth City Council
140. Hilsea Lido - October 24
The works are progressing at Hilsea Lido | Habibur Rahman Photo: Picture: IslandCity.UK