Swimmers take plunge at Hilsea Lido for first time in four years after huge £7.75m renovation
Hilsea Lido has been tried and tested by local swimmers ahead of its grand opening
Swimmers have made a splash at Hilsea Lido for the first time in four years following a much-needed renovation at the outdoor pool.
After falling into a state of disrepair and posing health and safety risks, Hilsea Lido, which turned 90 this year, was closed to the public in 2022, prompting a major regeneration.
Some £7.75m has been spent on the project which has seen the pool transformed into a community space, courtesy of contractors Beard and consultancy company Mace, as well as Portsmouth City Council.
Ahead of the pool’s grand opening on Saturday local groups have had the opportunity to be the among the first to test the pool out - and it has gone down swimmingly well.
On March 23, the keys were officially handed over to the new operators - Sea Lanes - which has partnered with South Downs Leisure to steward the future of the pool.
Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, said: “It’s an honour to be trusted with such an iconic and much-loved local landmark, and we can’t wait to bring the site back to life for the community.
“We’ve got a little bit more work to do to add the finishing touches before we open on May 2, and then we’ll be looking ahead to phase two and understanding how the community uses the lido and what they want to see from the lido in the future as well, and then we’ll be looking at the rejuvenation of the whole site.
“We’re excited to open the doors, welcome everyone back, and start a brand‑new chapter for Hilsea Lido.”
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the project, which was paid for by the Levelling Up fund, the plant room has been fully refurbished with new equipment, outdated pool facilities have been removed and updated, and more than 80 tonnes of steel and 30 lorry-loads of concrete have been used to stabilise the pool base and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 with a sauna, ice cream parlour and food van also set to be housed at the site.
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.”
Hilsea Lido general manager Judit Kollat said: “The work that Portsmouth City Council has done to refurbish Hilsea Lido has enabled us to regenerate it. It is more than a pool, it’s a place with history and heart. We aim to create a vibrant hub for the local community, a centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. The Lido will offer something for everyone.”