Council rules out winter lido swimming for 2024-25

Campaigners want the Guildford Lido to be open all year round

Guildford Borough Council has ruled out opening the town's lido for winter swimming in 2024-25.

The lido closed on 15 September, despite a petition to keep it open all year round gathering nearly 1,400 signatures.

In a statement the council said it might consider adding winter swimming when the contract to run the facility comes up for renewal in October 2025.

Year-round swimming was introduced at Guildford Lido in 2014, but ended during the Covid pandemic.

The council said: “The Lido will reopen for the 2025 summer season.

“The current contract with Freedom Leisure ends in October 2025. We are currently preparing the tender documents for the procurement of a new contract.

"The Friends of Guildford Lido group have been asked for their ideas to allow them to be evaluated as part of the tender process for the new contract which will no doubt include winter swimming or an extended season.”

Guildford Borough Council says the lido will remain closed until April 2025

Lead councillor for commercial services Catherine Houston said: “Last year, we invested £2.1m refurbishing the facility, which included brand new changing rooms, improved drainage systems, environmental technologies to reduce energy and water usage, and updated poolside catering.

“Over the winter months we carry out a planned schedule of works to ensure we can maintain a high level of service during the busy summer months.

“We are very grateful to everyone who supports the Lido each year and we look forward to welcoming you all back next season with new boilers and, for the first time, the Lido will have pool covers installed to help maintain the pool temperature.”

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