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.
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