A VICTORIAN lido in England's most valuable port is currently closed due to concerns it may fall into the sea.
The century-old structure, one of the UK's most iconic seawater pools, is undergoing a £750,000 emergency renovation.
The lido is located at the sea's edge and is replenished daily by the high tide when operational.
Since its opening in 1896, thousands of visitors from around the world have come to enjoy swimming in it.
Currently closed for renovation, it sits at the edge of the sea and is refilled daily by the high tide.
Repairing the cracked ocean-facing wall and damaged floor of the Shoalstone Seawater Pool, which is free to use, is projected to cost nearly £1,000,000.
Brixham Harbour, England's most valuable port, is a vibrant hub that set a new record in 2022, generating £60.8 million for the year.
Campaigners are now working to secure additional funding to preserve the town's lido for future generations.
Jessica Stock, chairwoman of the trustees of Shoalstone Seawater Pool, stated they are battling against the elements—and time—to prevent the lido from crumbling into the sea.
“We have reached a point where any easterly storm could have destroyed the pool,” she added. “We weren't watertight.”
Repairing the Structure
A £500,000 grant from the Local Government Community Ownership Fund, along with support from Torbay and Brixham councils, has brought the total to £750,000.
Tim Grimes, a structural coastal engineer, mentioned that the current renovation work will “stitch it back together so it can withstand the larger storms we are experiencing.”
In addition to facing natural challenges, campaigners are also dealing with vandalism issues at the site.
In August, pool manager David Thomas posted an update on the Shoalstone Seawater Pool Brixham page, outlining the challenges in reopening the lido after it sustained damage.
Locally, it has been reported that if the construction work proceeds as planned, the lido could reopen in November.
Brixham, located an hour's drive from both Exeter and Plymouth, has roots dating back to the Saxon period when it established itself as a trading hub.
The port has played a crucial role in shaping the country's history, from being the landing site of to serving as the home of the during .
By the mid-19th century, the town boasted the largest shipping fleet in the country, with 250 vessels.
As the industry expanded, boatyards and fish markets were established around the town, making maritime-related work prevalent in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the lido currently closed?
The lido is closed due to renovation work aimed at securing the structure, which has been damaged and is at risk of falling into the sea.
When is the lido expected to reopen?
If construction proceeds as planned, the lido could reopen in November.
How much funding has been secured for the renovation?
A total of £750,000 has been secured for the renovation, which includes a £500,000 grant from the Local Government Community Ownership Fund.
