A HISTORIC lido that has been closed since 2022 will reopen in time for summer.
Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has undergone a major facelift, costing around £7.75million.
And now the lido has announced that it will reopen on May 2, in time for the summer season.
Last year, Sea Lanes Brighton announced that they would be taking on the site and working with South Downs Leisure.
The upgraded lido now includes a refurbished pool, new changing rooms, benches, tables and a fountain.
There will also be a food and drink pop-up on site.
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The pool will be the Olympic standard 2.6metres deep and remain 67metres in length and 13metres wide.
Ahead of the launch, visitors can purchase a ‘Founder’ membership for £40 per month, which allows locals to swim and use the sauna as much as they like.
This membership is only available to the first 500 people though.
Normal membership fees are then £52 a month on a rolling contract for swim and sauna or £48 a month on a 12 month contract.
If you just want to swim, this will be £34 a month on a rolling contract or £32 a month on a 12 month contract.
Swim and sauna sessions are each £8, but if you fancy both you can pay to do both for £12.
The lido will be open between 6am and 9pm Mondays to Thursdays, 6am to 8pm on Fridays and 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
According to Portsmouth News, Judit Kollat, general manager at Hilsea Lido, said: “It is more than a pool, it’s a place with history and heart.
“We aim to create a vibrant hub for the local community, a centre for both mental and physical wellbeing.”
Councillor Steve Pitt at Portsmouth City Council added: “The reopening of Hilsea Lido will transform the north of the city, following the successful launch of the KGV Football Complex and ahead of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme finishing this year.”
The announcement about Hilsea Lido comes as the lido celebrates its 90th birthday.
Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the reopening.
One person said: “Can’t wait so many memories and I was a life guard there.”
Another added: “We’ll be over as soon as possible, we’ve watched the project from the beginning.”
The lido first opened in 1935 and at the time was known as the deepest lido in the UK, with a depth of 4.6 metres.
And over the years the lido has welcomed many celebrities including former James Bond, Sean Connery.
In other lido news, a new ‘floating park’ with sauna and lido to open in popular London district – in huge £5billion upgrade.
Plus, an English lido forced to close after 50 years set to finally reopen next year.