Hilsea Lido to be transformed ahead of 90th anniversary

Hilsea Lido is due to reopen to the public for summer 2025

Work to transform an outdoor pool ahead of its 90th anniversary next year is due to begin.

Portsmouth City Council said the redevelopment of Hilsea Lido would improve the area and encourage more residents and visitors to use it.

Councillor Steve Pitt said the "iconic Portsmouth attraction" was going to receive "some much-needed TLC".

The work starts later and is due to be complete by spring 2025, when it will open to the public for the summer.

The announcement follows community consultation events in March.

Planned changes include removing fountain parts at the west end of the site, the spectator stand at the north, and the mural by My Dog Sighs.

The council said the artist would return to paint another once the lido was up and running.

The plant room roof would also be removed to clear away the old pool equipment, which the council said "will be replaced with a brand new, modern filtration system".

The pool would be drained, ready for work to take place to stabilise the base and restore the original lagoons.

The council said that old pool equipment "will be replaced with a brand new, modern filtration system"

Mr Pitt said it would ensure "the pool will open next year with modern changing facilities ready for the 90th anniversary of the lido".

The project is part of the council's Transforming the Visitor Economy project, which was awarded £20m in Levelling Up funding.

Alongside Hilsea Lido, the funding aims to improve the wider Hilsea Lines area along the northern coast of Portsea Island, and to connect the western shore of the city with the eastern tip.

The remaining funding contributed to the now-completed terminal transformation project at Portsmouth international Port and King George V football hub.

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