Tooting Bec lido reopens after more than a year

The lido reopened on Monday to members

A south-west London lido has reopened after essential repair works closed the venue for more than a year.

Tooting Bec Lido was due to close for nine months for £4m of refurbishment works to its pump works, filter system, pipes and pool liner.

But works on the 90m (295ft) pool were delayed after asbestos was found there.

It reopened on Monday to South London Swimming Club (SLSC) members. Non-members can use the pool from 1 April to 30 September 2024.

Some of the first people in the water were husband and wife Andrew Ingamells and Deborah Wright, who met at the lido in 1994.

Andrew Ingamells and Deborah Wright met at the lido in 1994

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The lido was first opened in 1906 and is the biggest open-air freshwater pool in the UK.

In September, Wandsworth Council approved refurbishment plans including a new entrance, cafe, sauna, toilets, and separate gender-neutral showers and changing facilities.

SLSC put forward the application, which included a new entrance at the north end of the lido.

People at the lido's opening ceremony on 28 July 1906

And the new cafe will serve people through two kiosk hatches - one facing Tooting Common and the other facing the pool.

A new reception, security accommodation and cycle parking are also included in the plan and the existing entrance, toilets and showers will be demolished.

The SLSC is aiming to raise £3m to fund the project over the next few years and said it was "confident" that "there is no need to close the Lido again".

Swimmers return to the water at Tooting Bec Lido

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