UK’s oldest lido to stay closed ‘indefinitely’ despite huge £9.3million renovation
A LIDO in Bath that claims to be the oldest in the UK will remain closed despite undergoing a huge multi-million renovation.
After first opening in 1817, Cleveland Pools closed to the public in 1984 when funds were redirected into a nearby sports centre.
AlamyCleveland Pools first opened in 1817, making it the oldest lido in the country[/caption]
Suzy Slemen - Cleaveland PoolsThe site briefly reopened to swimmers in September 2023 before it closed again three months later[/caption]
The historic lido remained closed for 39 years until a 20-year campaign, led by the Cleveland Pools Trust, saw the site reopen to swimmers in 2023.
Despite undergoing a huge £9.3m renovation, Cleveland Pools closed to visitors in January 2024 because of damage caused by flooding.
According to the Cleveland Pools Trust, the lido will remain closed as work continues to repair the damage caused by the flood.
While investigations into the damage are ongoing, the site’s plant room and machinery have reportedly suffered damage, leaving the lido inoperable.
The team behind Cleveland Pools Trust is working to reopen the lido as soon as possible.
Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, Paul Simmons, told the BBC: “The trust, with the assistance of its professional advisers, is looking at all its available options for recovering the cost of remedying the damage to allow the pools to reopen.
“Unfortunately, at this present time, the trust is unable to put a timescale on this.
“The trust shares the frustration of the public that the pools remain closed.”
Cleveland Pools closed to the public in the 1980s.
A project to reopen the lido was launched by a team of volunteers in 2004.
The campaign gained support over time, with The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarding a £6.5million grant.
Historic England, Bath & North East Somerset Council and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund also all provided funding.
Financial support was also provided by individual donors, charitable trusts and crowdfunding campaigns.
In total, £9.3million was raised to help restore Cleveland Pools.
The lido briefly reopened to the public on September 10, 2023, with visitors swimming in the pool even when temperatures dropped below 10C.
It is not yet known when Cleveland Pools will reopen to the public.
Elsewhere in the UK, Manchester is set to get its first new lido for decades.
The open-air pool will be a first for the city in 40 years, with Manchester not having any current lidos.
Here are some other outdoor pools in the UK to visit.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK
Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
Kent’s The Strand Lido in Gillingham has been compared to Greece because of its bright blue and white design.
And a lido in London is said to have similar vibes to that of Tenerife.
AlamyIt is not yet known when Cleveland Pools will reopen to the public[/caption]
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