Lido on schedule for autumn opening

An open-air swimming pool undergoing major restoration work is a step closer to reopening after structural tests were successfully carried out.

Hilsea Lido, in Portsmouth, closed for renovation works in 2022. The scheme is part of the council's Transforming the Visitor Economy project, which was awarded £20m by the UK government.

It is hoped the facility will reopen in early autumn.

Posting on their Facebook page, Portsmouth City Council, said: "Extensive work has been done to stabilise the pool, including bringing back the shallower lagoons, and now we are able to start the next phase of work."

To test the stability of the 67-metre pool, it was filled with water, to ensure the infrastructure was secure enough.

The next stage of the work includes a large tent being built over the pool to protect it from extreme weather conditions and keep the water temperature above 5C.

Once that is complete, the finishing touches will be carried out with the edges, steps and rest ledge being tiled. The walls and floor are also due to be made level and painted as well as the handrails being secured.

Leader Portsmouth City Council Steve Pitt, said: "Hilsea Lido is an iconic Portsmouth attraction, which is undergoing a major refurbishment so it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come.

"It's great this huge milestone has been achieved, and I'm looking forward to seeing the project progress towards the finish line."

If it does reopen this year, it would coincide with the 90th anniversary of its original opening.

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