'It's more than a pool': Hilsea Lido celebrates official opening after undergoing £7.75m regeneration project

After being part of the city’s history for the past nine-decades, a lido has been given a new lease of life as it reopens to the public for the first time in four years.

Hilsea Lido, in London Road, will be part of many childhood stories - but over the years the beloved pool fell into a state of disrepair, making it unsafe to use.

In 2022, the pool closed down, prompting the Portsmouth City Council to undertake a £7.75 million regeneration project to restore the site back to its former glory, ensuring it can continue operating for many years to come.

On Saturday, May 2 - after months of anticipation - Hilsea Lido finally opened to members of the public.

Doors opened at 7am, with eager swimmers ready to make a splash and try out the new facilities which, not only include a fully functioning pool, but also a sauna and food and drink offerings.

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes which is the lido’s new operator, said: “Hilsea Lido is more than a pool — it’s a community hub.

“Our goal is to create a space where people can come together, recharge, move, and connect all year round, with every visit feeling like a holiday at home. We’re proud to bring this iconic site back to life for Portsmouth."

As part of the project, which was paid for by the Levelling Up fund, the plant room has been fully refurbished with new equipment, outdated pool facilities have been removed and updated, and more than 80 tonnes of steel and 30 lorry-loads of concrete have been used to stabilise the pool base and walls.

New showers, changing rooms and toilets have also been installed courtesy of contractors Beard and consultancy company Mace, who carried out the project.

Olympian, Katy Sexton, from Portsmouth, said: “I'm really looking forward to seeing Hilsea Lido open again. It was a favourite of my mum’s growing up, and it’s wonderful to now have the chance to make new memories there with my own family, while celebrating the benefits of swimming for everyone.”

Once open, the pool is set to offer a full timetable of family events and group activities, while also being utilised by various water sports clubs from across the city.

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, said: “It’s hugely exciting and a new chapter for the whole of the Portsmouth. When you talk to people in the local area, they’ve all got memories of Hilsea Lido and I think they can’t wait to get back and splash in this pool again.”

The reopening marks phase one of a wider development plan, and visitors are being encouraged to share feedback and suggestions for future phases, with plans including heating the Lido in later stages.