AN ABANDONED 100-year-old lido is one step closer to reopening after a £7.7million facelift – but fans will need to wait a little longer to take the plunge.
Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth, which first opened in 1935, has been closed since 2022 for a huge renovation as part of the government’s Levelling Up programme.
The famous outdoor pool, once the deepest in the UK at 4.6 metres, has now hit another milestone in its transformation, with fresh paint tests and key equipment finally connected.
But the final phase of the project has been tweaked to add new ideas from operator Sea Lanes, meaning the long-awaited reopening has been pushed back to early next year.
Portsmouth City Council said: “You’ll be pleased to know that we are now operating to the new schedule and our brilliant site team can power through this last phase of work and deliver us a completed pool (and surrounding area) before the year is up.
“Sea Lanes will then look to open the lido in early 2026.”
Harry Smith, director at Sea Lanes, added: “We are so excited to start this adventure at the lido – we are going to be working on two phases.
“We will be building on what we already have so we will introduce a sauna to compliment the cold water swimming and there will also be food and beverages as well, so it really can be a destination.
“We see it as more than a pool, it’s a unique place with history and heart.
“A hub for the local community.”
New features coming
When it finally reopens, Hilsea Lido will feature a 67-metre Olympic standard pool at 2.6 metres deep, still perfect for serious swimmers, along with new changing rooms, benches, tables, and even a fountain.
Fencing has gone up around toilet and shower blocks to tidy up the site, and more landscaping work is planned before the doors open.
There will also be food and drink pop-ups poolside offering hot drinks and snacks, plus picnic benches on grassy areas for visitors to relax.
Prices and membership
Memberships are already on sale for those keen to be first through the gates.
A swim-only pass costs £34 per month on a rolling basis or £32 per month for a 12-month commitment, giving unlimited access all year round.
Day tickets will also be available once the lido opens, with family passes expected to be introduced for the summer season.
