The abandoned 100-year-old lido in Portsmouth will reopen after renovations: what will change.

According to The Sun: The abandoned 100-year-old lido in Portsmouth is set to reopen after renovations costing £7.7 million, but fans will have to wait a little longer to dive into the water.

Hilsea Lido, which first opened its doors in 1935, has been closed since 2022 due to extensive repair work as part of the government’s 'Leveling Up' program.

Memberships are already on sale for those who want to be the first to enter the pool. The long-awaited reopening has been postponed until early next year. Fencing has been installed around the toilets and showers to clear the area.

This famous open-air pool, once the deepest in the UK at 4.6 meters, has reached a new milestone in its renovation thanks to testing new paints and connecting key equipment.

However, the final phase of the project has been altered due to new ideas from the Sea Lanes operator, which has resulted in the reopening being delayed until early next year.

The Portsmouth City Council stated:

“You will be pleased to know that we are working according to the new schedule, and our wonderful team on site can successfully complete this final phase of work and prepare the completed pool (and surrounding area) by the end of the year.”

 

“Sea Lanes plans to open the lido in early 2026.”

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, added:

“We are very excited to start this lido adventure – we will be working on two phases.”

 

“We will be developing what is already there, so we plan to build a sauna to complement the cold swimming, as well as food and drinks to make it a real destination.”

 

“We see this as more than just a pool, it's a unique place with history and soul.”

 

“This is a hub for the local community.”

New Opportunities

When the lido finally opens, it will have a 67-meter Olympic-standard pool with a depth of 2.6 meters, suitable for serious swimmers, as well as new changing rooms, benches, tables, and even a fountain.

Fencing has been set up around the toilets and showers to organize the area, and more landscaping work is also planned before reopening.

There will also be pop-ups with food and drinks by the pool, offering hot beverages and snacks, as well as picnic tables on the grassy areas for visitors to relax.

Prices and Membership

Memberships are already available for those who want to be the first to enter the pool.

A swim-only pass costs £34 per month on a continuous basis or £32 per month for a 12-month contract, providing unlimited access throughout the year.

After the lido opens, day tickets will also be available, and family passes are expected by the summer season.

Hilsea Lido will feature a 67-meter Olympic-standard pool with a depth of 2.6 meters.

The opening of Hilsea Lido will be a significant event for the local community, as it is not just a renovated sports facility but also a new place for relaxation and socializing. It is expected that the new opportunities and amenities will attract both locals and tourists, contributing to the development of Portsmouth and increasing the popularity of water activities. Thus, we look forward to the December renovation and opening next year.