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Work at Hilsea Lido is now nearing completion, and we’re pleased to confirm that the lido will open to the public on Saturday 2 May.
Our contractors Beard have finished their work, but the new Hilsea Lido team are carrying out the finishing touches ahead of the opening. This includes cleaning the pool, fitting a pool cover, painting the old building, and adding touches such as lights and bunting. They’ll also be installing a custom-made sauna and adding food and drink carts.
We’re excited to be preparing the lido for its long‑awaited reopening.
What’s happening
The experienced team behind Sea Lanes Brighton has been chosen as the preferred operator for Hilsea Lido and the Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool.
They are a passionate group of local businesses and open-water swimming enthusiasts, who will partner with South Downs Leisure to steward the regeneration of Hilsea Lido. Together, their shared vision is to create a financially and environmentally sustainable, inclusive, and accessible leisure destination for all to enjoy.
They have launched a Hilsea Lido website where you can find out more, register your interest and take a survey.
Portsmouth City Council has worked closely with contractors Beard and consultancy company Mace to plan and deliver this complex project. A significant amount of work was required to bring the lido back into use. Take a look at the progress pictures.
The plant room roof has been fully refurbished. Outdated pool equipment has been removed and replaced with a brand-new, modern filtration system. The pool base and the walls have been stabilised with over 80 tonnes of steel and 30 lorry-loads of concrete. The original shallow lagoons have also been restored.
Modular toilet and shower units have been installed, including a fully accessible Changing Places toilet. There are also changing rooms, outdoor showers, and fresh landscaping.
Once the pool is open, the future operator of the lido will lead further regeneration of the wider site, which includes plans for the Blue Lagoon and the main lido building.
Description of pictures (first to last)
- Hilsea Lido before
- An impression of what the finished Lido will look like
