BRITAIN’S oldest Lido has vowed to “definitely reopen” after being left to rot.
The historic swimming facility has been closed for over two years, despite receiving a £9.3million makeover.
Cleveland Baths, first opened in 1815 and is the oldest of its kind to exist in the UK, but closed in 1984.
A huge campaign and a mulit-million pound refurbishment saw it reopen for just four months in 2023 before it was forced to close again due to flood damage.
But now trustees have promised to reopen the 200-year old pool, telling the BBC it is “moving as quickly and responsibly” as possible
It’s definitely going to happen,” Peter Askew, chair of Cleveland Pools Trust, told the outlet.
The trust has set out a timetable that includes a consultation and more fundraising, with repair works restarting in 2028.
In January 2024, the River Avon burst its banks and destroyed the facility.
A subsequent investigation revealed mechanical and structural damage.
“The first is that floodwater entered the door of the plant room.
“And then, secondly, in the process of emptying the pool of floodwater, the groundwater level wasn’t properly managed, and that led to further damage,” Peter explained.
It comes as just a few weeks back, the lido welcomed visitors to the grounds to take a rake peak at pool.
At the time, visitors were able to meet the trustees and volunteers to hear about their vision for the site, but could not swim.