A RECORD-breaking outdoor swimming pool in the UK has reopened in time for the summer after undergoing millions of pounds worth of upgrades.
What’s more, hundreds of free passes will be handed out to swimmers this year to help people cool off while keeping costs down.
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Tooting Bec lido is the biggest outdoor pool in the country, but has been closed to the public since it closed on December 22, 2022, with vital refurbishments needed.
Initially, it was only due to be closed for nine months but that had to be extended after asbestos was found at the lido, causing work to fall behind.
However, its pumps, filters, pipes and lining have all been upgraded, as well as the landscaping around the pool, at the cost of close to £4million.
Now the London pool is finally open to the public once again, after first opening to members of South London Swimming Club on December 18.
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More than 1,000 local residents booked a free family swim on its first full opening day, which took place on Wednesday, May 29.
The reopening was celebrated with five-time Paralympic gold medalist Ellie Simmonds, who unveiled a plaque at the lido.
Wandsworth Council leader Simon Hogg described the pool as “the oldest and best lido in London” and said that the refurbishments have protected it “for the next 50 years”.
Hogg also revealed a support package for local residents, with around 250 eligible to to visit the pool for free each day, as part of the council’s cost-of-living support fund.
He told the Evening Standard: “Our revamped and refurbished lido is the perfect place to announce our latest support package for families in Wandsworth who are facing tough times because of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Our Access for All initiative means they can come to popular places like the lido or any of our other leisure centres and get in for free.
“This will make a huge difference to families who would not be able to enjoy days out in such great surroundings and builds upon a whole range of measures we’ve already put in place to help our struggling households.”
After opening the lido, Ms Simmonds described the pool as “incredible” and backed the campaign to give out free tickets, saying it would help people have fun and learn vital life skills.
She told My London: “We’re definitely in a society at the moment where we’re in an economic crisis and to have that extra support from the council and… access [to] this incredible facility just makes such a big difference.
“Swimming isn’t just a great sport it’s also a life skill as well, for all ages… you can see behind us some children here having fun and I think that’s what you want swimming to be – having fun.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
“It’s exercise [and] it’s a wonderful facility… you can have all ages, people can relax here.”
Further upgrades are also in the pipeline for the lido, with a new cafe, a new entrance and a sauna all part of big plans for the site.
In September last year, approval was granted for the additional developments, which also include new shower and changing facilities, new toilets, a new reception, security accommodation and bike parking.
The lido has a 1,300 person capacity and has been open since 1906, but it remains the biggest outdoor pool in the country.
Meanwhile, this 100-acre water attraction with pool and on-site camping is set to open in the UK.
And you can now visit this new aqua park with slides and floating trampolines.
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