LIDOS are a great part of the UK’s history and at their peak, there used to be as many as 300 across the UK.
Sadly many of them have been forced to close over the years, due to high running costs and disrepair.
But there is some good news, as there are a number of new lidos that want to open across the UK.
From revamped sea pools to city lidos, here are five of the best that could soon welcome the public.
Holt Town, Manchester
Manchester will be getting a new open-air pool which will mark the first for the city in 40 years.
Set in a 15 acre site, the lido is set to be surrounded by greenery and also boast a lifeguard tower.
The lido in Holt Town is part of a wider development, including 4,500 new homes .
Holt Town already has its own tram stop, which will make the lido easy to access from the city centre.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Holt Town has huge potential and this is feeding our ambition to create a brand new woodland town – the first of its kind in Manchester.
“This neighbourhood will represent a people-first focus around active travel, green spaces, new play spaces for young people – and a digital first approach that will better connect the community with local services.”
An opening date has not yet been set, but the development is expected to take several years.
Valentines Park, East London
The capital will be getting its first brand new lido in several years in Valentines Park in East London .
The multi-million pound lido will feature a huge pool, kids’ splash park and a spa zone.
The lido will stretch 25 metres and have six lanes and then away from the pool there will be a spa pool, a steam room and a plunge pool.
There will be treatment rooms too, while for little ones, there will be a splash pad as well.
And visitors can also enjoy a cafe, gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and a picnic area.
The new lido is expected to open in April next year.
Silverlake Lido & Clubhouse, Dorset
Dorset is set to get a new heated outdoor pool, alongside water sports opportunities, a restaurant and spa facilities with hot tubs and treatment cabanas.
However, to access the new facilities you will need a Silverlake Lido membership – which is only available to Silverlake homeowners and their Habitat Escapes’ – as luxury holiday provider in the Cotswolds and Dorset – guests.
There will be a limited number of memberships available to the local community.
The Firefly Restaurant at the lido will have views across the lake and a laid-back vibe.
There will also be a shop for visitors to take away drinks.
The lido is expected to open some point next year.
Broomhill, Ipswich
Broomhill’s outdoor pool has been closed for 24 years but now will reopen following a £7million project.
Historic Pools dubbed the lido as “one of the most attractive open-air pools in Britain” with an “unrivalled position on the edge of Broomhill Park”.
The new pool will include a grandstand and a health and wellbeing centre.
Previously, there have been numerous attempts to restore the Grade II-listed building at the site, but a lack of funding has stopped any development from taking place.
The pool hopes to open next summer.
Scarborough South Bay
Scarborough also has plans to develop a new outdoor tidal pool.
Nestled in one of the UK’s oldest seaside towns , plans reveal the pool would be three-sided and sit at the top of Scarborough South Bay.
If approved, the pool will have sand running into it and a sheltered beach area for bathing.
Plans need to be approved for the pool before a date is set for its opening.
Lidos due to get revamps across the UK
A NUMBER of lidos are also expected to receive revamps across the country.
Hilsea Lido: The £7.6 million refurbishment includes upgraded changing rooms, new benches and tables, a fountain, and accessibility ramps, and is expected to open in early autumn 2025.
Worthing Lido: Plans are in place to restore the Grade II listed building, which was last used as a swimming pool in 1989, by reinstating the pool as a year-round attraction.
Tynemouth Lido: Locals are campaigning to revive the outdoor pool, which has been closed since the mid-90s. The estimated cost for the renovation, which would include events, food, and drink facilities, has doubled to £10 million, with a plan expected to be presented to the council in the next three months.
Stratford Park Lido: A £2.7 million renovation is underway to repair the lido tank, replace old pumps, and upgrade various parts of the leisure center, including roofing, flooring, and air conditioning, with the work taking place over five years.
Grange Lido: A £6.8 million restoration is underway to reopen the site with a temporary infill of the pool to create a new multi-use public space. The project has faced delays, and a new opening date is yet to be announced by the council.
Droitwich Spa Lido: A £5 million renovation is planned to restore the Art Deco lido, with proposals including “spa-like” services, a new children’s play area, and a potential restaurant. The renovation work, if approved, would be take around four years to complete.
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