
Britain's deepest lido boasting its own lagoon moves one step closer to reopening after three-year closure
MAKING A SPLASH Britain's deepest lido boasting its own lagoon moves one step closer to reopening after three-year closure
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A BELOVED UK lido is moving closer to reopening after three years of renovation works.
Britain's deepest lido has been undergoing a £7.6million refurbishment under a government programme.
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Hilsea Lido has received £7.6million investment from the government
Credit: Portsmouth.gov
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The refurbished lido should reopen in the next few months
Credit: Portsmouth.gov
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The lido first opened in 1935 and was frequented by late actor Sean Connery
Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has been a go-to place for local families since its original opening in 1935.
Legendary actor Sean Connery also frequented the outdoor pool for his swimming sessions.
Hilsea Lido first closed its doors back in 2007, but it reopened back in 2014 after its management was taken over by Hilsea Lido Pool for the People - a charity formed by residents.
The charity group was forced to close the iconic lido again in 2022 as it was in a desperate need for a refurb.
New management team
It has now been announced that the team behind Sea Lanes in Brighton will be taking over the Hilsea Lido management.
Harry Smith, Director at Sea Lanes, said: 'We are thrilled to be chosen as the preferred operators of Hilsea Lido, we see it as more than a more than a pool, it's a unique place with history and heart.
"A hub for the local community. A centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub, a welcome space where people of all ages can recharge, move and connect.
"From invigorating swims and soul-soothing sauna sessions to family themed activities, delicious eats and energising events, there will be something for everyone.
"To help us create our vision we want to hear from the Portsmouth community as to how Hilsea Lido can meet their needs."
New facilities
Thanks to the Government's Levelling Up programme, the outdoor pool has received a £7.6million worth of investment.
Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades
Once the lido has reopened, it will have upgraded facilities including new changing rooms, benches, tables, and a fountain.
The fully functioning unheated pool will also feature ramps to provide more accessibility to people with mobility issues.
The new modern filtration system has been installed to ensure clear and safe for swimming water for years to come.
The team at Sea Lanes will also be bringing food and drink pop up stores, saunas and health and wellbeing businesses into the area.
Opening date
Local residents have been excited about the re-opening of the lido for which they hold fond memories.
No official opening date has been revealed just yet, but there is more information on the Portsmouth City Council website.
It reads: "The project is set to reopen in early autumn 2025, which is the same year the lido will celebrate its 90th anniversary."
Meanwhile, the opening of this UK lido has been forced to delay its reopening date after a £6.8 million restoration.
And here are the UK's best outdoor water parks and lidos for the summer months.

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Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Britain's deepest lido boasting its own lagoon moves one step closer to reopening after three-year closure
Read on to find out what improvements have been made MAKING A SPLASH Britain's deepest lido boasting its own lagoon moves one step closer to reopening after three-year closure Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BELOVED UK lido is moving closer to reopening after three years of renovation works. Britain's deepest lido has been undergoing a £7.6million refurbishment under a government programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Hilsea Lido has received £7.6million investment from the government Credit: 3 The refurbished lido should reopen in the next few months Credit: 3 The lido first opened in 1935 and was frequented by late actor Sean Connery Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has been a go-to place for local families since its original opening in 1935. Legendary actor Sean Connery also frequented the outdoor pool for his swimming sessions. Hilsea Lido first closed its doors back in 2007, but it reopened back in 2014 after its management was taken over by Hilsea Lido Pool for the People - a charity formed by residents. The charity group was forced to close the iconic lido again in 2022 as it was in a desperate need for a refurb. New management team It has now been announced that the team behind Sea Lanes in Brighton will be taking over the Hilsea Lido management. Harry Smith, Director at Sea Lanes, said: 'We are thrilled to be chosen as the preferred operators of Hilsea Lido, we see it as more than a more than a pool, it's a unique place with history and heart. "A hub for the local community. A centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub, a welcome space where people of all ages can recharge, move and connect. "From invigorating swims and soul-soothing sauna sessions to family themed activities, delicious eats and energising events, there will be something for everyone. "To help us create our vision we want to hear from the Portsmouth community as to how Hilsea Lido can meet their needs." New facilities Thanks to the Government's Levelling Up programme, the outdoor pool has received a £7.6million worth of investment. Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades Once the lido has reopened, it will have upgraded facilities including new changing rooms, benches, tables, and a fountain. The fully functioning unheated pool will also feature ramps to provide more accessibility to people with mobility issues. The new modern filtration system has been installed to ensure clear and safe for swimming water for years to come. The team at Sea Lanes will also be bringing food and drink pop up stores, saunas and health and wellbeing businesses into the area. Opening date Local residents have been excited about the re-opening of the lido for which they hold fond memories. No official opening date has been revealed just yet, but there is more information on the Portsmouth City Council website. It reads: "The project is set to reopen in early autumn 2025, which is the same year the lido will celebrate its 90th anniversary." Meanwhile, the opening of this UK lido has been forced to delay its reopening date after a £6.8 million restoration. And here are the UK's best outdoor water parks and lidos for the summer months.


Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Snubbed UK seaside town 'on the up' as £18.4m investment creates tourist boom
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Cleethorpe's Market Place will also get a makeover, establishing a 'flexible space for market and pop events to energise the area'. Improvements will be made to lighting in the area to improve safety, while a new green corridor will link St Peters Avenue and the seafront. Restaurants and cafes will be able to let diners eat alfresco, while green infrastructure will mitigate the town's wind. Lastly, a new three-storey landmark building is set to be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the promenade, featuring state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities - as well as commercially lettable space across all floors. Impressive mock-up images show the building's sleek appearance, which sits opposite the iconic pier. Even before the levelling-up funds were awarded to the town, Cleethorpes had been revamping itself thanks to other investments. 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The Sun
02-06-2025
- The Sun
Huge £100million beachfront attraction with indoor forests and treehouses forced to delay opening date
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