AFTER countless delays and setbacks, an abandoned lido is finally re-opening after a year of regeneration work.
The newly-refurbished splash park in Cambridgeshire has reached its final development stages after construction began last year.
St Neots Splash Park will be located on Huntingdon Road in the medieval Cambridgeshire town, near to the popular Priory Park.
This space will replace the sealed up site of the historic St Neots Lido, which attracted swimmers for over 40 years.
Since its closure back in 2003, the space has been left abandoned, despite its appealing location.
The advancement of the project was triggered by a successful Independent Professional Playground Safety Inspection, and commencement date for the final commissioning schedule.
This work will be followed by a “soft opening” of the park, which has been confirmed for May 2, just in time for the bank holiday.
Details for the formal opening of the splash park are not confirmed, but are expected to be announced soon.
The park’s construction has been no small feat, costing nearly £800,000 to build and requiring a £600,000 council grant.
Now, the site boasts a range of interactive features, including a leaping water arch, a hydro blast and an aqua tent, which forms a dome of water for children to play underneath.
It is also decorated with an appealing range of bright colours and LED lighting, activated using floor mounted buttons.
A spokesperson for St Neots Aquatic and Leisure said the opening will be “giving local families the first opportunity to enjoy this new inclusive outdoor play space”.