Hilsea Lido completion pushed back until next year with anticipated opening confirmed

Major work commenced at Hilsea Lido last year after it fell into a state of disrepair making it unsafe for the public to use.

Using the Levelling Up Fund, the £7.75m project is being carried out by Beard and will welcome a fully restored and accessible pool as well as changing rooms, tables, benches and a sauna.

It was initially announced that the site would be complete this summer but the Portsmouth City Council confirmed it would miss its anticipated completion date.

The new operator, Sea Lanes, was announced in July where it was outlined that the lido would offer a full programme of events and clubs once it is fully open.

Harry Smith, director at Sea Lanes, has now confirmed the opening of the lido is expected to be next spring with plans to introduce heating in the pool within the first few years of launching.

Sea Lanes will also be partnering up with South Downs Leisure to progress a shared vision to create a financially and environmentally sustainable destination.

Harry previously said: “We are so excited to start thisadventure at the lido - we are going to be working on two phases.

“We will be building on what we already have so we will introduce a sauna to compliment the cold water swimming and there will also be food and beverages as well, so it really can be a destination.

“We see it as more than a more than a pool, it’s a unique place with history and heart. A hub for the local community.”

The Portsmouth City Council has been providing fortnightly updates regarding the progress of the project. The most recent update outlined that the painting on the pool walls has been completed and the protective tent is due to be removed in the new year.

For more information about Hilsea Lido updates, click here.