Splashing out: Pre-book your visit from April
The much-loved lido - the largest open air freshwater swimming pool in the UK – will be opening its doors to the general public on April 1 following a comprehensive upgrade designed to safeguard its future for decades to come.
The project has seen the replacement of its pumphouse, which controls the water supply, and the construction of a new electrical sub-station to power the pumps as well as the pool’s modern new UV filtration and water purification system. Other works have included new pipework and a new pool lining, plus new landscaping around the water’s edge.
The 90-metre-long lido dates back to 1906 and occupies a unique position in the history of British open-air pools due to its size and the era in which it was built. It is regularly described as the “jewel in the crown” of Wandsworth’s sports facilities and is looked after on a day-to-day basis by the council’s leisure centres partner Places Leisure.
From April 1, people can pre-book their visit but to do so they will also need to take out a Places Leisure membership which is free of charge. Visitors can still turn up and pay at the door but this does not guarantee admission, especially at busy times when the lido is at its 1,300 person capacity.
Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Environment Judi Gasser said: “With warmer weather on the way we expect the lido to be as popular and busy as ever and are delighted to be fully reopening it to the public following its multi-million-pound refurbishment.
“The improvements we have carried out are designed to keep the lido open and in good shape for the next 50 years. As its custodians we are proud of the work we have done to preserve and protect the lido for many decades to come.”
For information about admission prices, memberships and to book a time slot to visit the lido please visit Places Leisure website.
There are a series of additional improvements planned at the lido which could include a new entrance with improved security, a more flexible café, accessible from the common as well as the pool, more toilets and showers and a club room for winter use. These are all being funded separately by members of the South London Swimming Club. For more information about the swimming club please visit https://www.slsc.org.uk/
The 90m-long lido is about to reopen its doors
