Historic lido open for summer after £250k refurb

The Strand was built more than 130 years ago and is still extremely popular among locals

The only riverside saltwater tidal swimming pool in England is reopening with a new £250,000 children's "splash pad" water play area.

The Strand Lido and Leisure Park, in Gillingham, Kent, will welcome families back for the summer on Saturday.

Now recognised as "historically significant" by Historic Pools of Britain, the leisure complex includes an outdoor leisure pool, six 25m lanes for swimming, a 300m lazy river, a café and play areas.

But the most excitement will be around the new £248,283 children's water feature, which uses 30 sensor-activated waterjets in a beach-themed play area.

Councillor Nina Gurung, the council's portfolio holder for heritage, culture and leisure, previously said: "We are proud to have invested in this exciting project to improve the already great offering and add a brand new fun feature for our children and families to enjoy both this summer and for years to come."

The Strand opened in 1896 and the refurbishment was funded by money given to Medway Council by housing developers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

The refurbishment was done using £248,283 of section 106 money, which is made up of contributions from housing developers to Medway Council.

The leisure complex is now open each weekend until the end of summer and every day during the school summer holidays.