Deco

A POPULAR swimming spot is set to undergo a major transformation this summer- just three months after being saved from closure.

The historic Art Deco venue will receive a 6-figure makeover.

Brockwell Lido, in south London, is set to undergo a £250,000 renovation following Lambeth Council’s take-over of the pool’s management from July 1.

Previously overseen by Fusion Lifestyle for more than 13 years, the leisure charity entered into administration on April 1 this year.

Now, through its in-house leisure services – Active Lambeth – the council will overhaul the current sports facilities, bringing in new fitness equipment, strength training areas and flooring to the site.

As a result, the gym will be closed from the start of the month, with works set to be completed within two weeks.

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The 89-year-old lido will also receive improvements, including new pool lane ropes, with swimming facilities expected to remain open throughout the upgrade.

Councillor Natalie Kane, the deputy leader and cabinet member for inclusion, democracy and culture, said: “Brockwell Lido is a vital community asset and we’re proud to be bringing it back in-house, as part of the Active Lambeth family.

“This is an iconic building that is cherished by the people who use it. We’re excited to be investing in the Lido so visitors have modern facilities that support health and wellbeing for everyone.”

Lambeth Council’s take-over aims to introduce a “more connected leisure offer for residents”, with new technology and greater benefits for members.

Following the transition, existing memberships will automatically transfer over to Active Lambeth’s site with no action required from members.

Designed in the Art Deco style, the popular south London spot originally opened in 1937 and was even crowned the ‘Best Lido in Britain’ last year.

A MUCH-loved English lido is set to finally reopen – after being forced to close last year.

The 90-year-old Stroud Lido has just received funding from the local council for urgent repairs.

The Stratford-based pool initially closed 10 months ago as it needed to undergo structural and mechanical repairs.

In early 2026, it was announced that lido would not be reopening and would be closed indefinitely.

Since its closure, locals have been campaigning to save the lido with over 100 written requests from residents to see what the future of the pool would be.

In a huge U-turn, Stroud District Council has now approved the funding needed to repair the pool.

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Work is set to start immediately, so the lido could open as soon as July 29 – failing that, it’s scheduled to reopen on August 14.

Initial funding to upgrade the lido was estimated at £5.1million, but has been brought down to £476,000.

The pool may need to undergo more repairs at a later date.

On its Facebook page, Save Stroud Lido said: “We are absolutely delighted by last night’s decision and can’t wait to see families, swimmers and young people enjoying the Lido again this summer. 

“And now the focus turns to getting the works completed and the gates reopened as quickly as possible. Because this is more than a pool.

“It’s part of Stroud’s identity. A place for fun, friendships, exercise, memories and safe outdoor swimming for generations to come.’

The Stratford-based lido first opened to swimmers in 1937 at a cost of just £20,000.

It’s a 50-metre long cold water pool with six swimming lanes and has a 10-metre high diving board.

Usually the pool is only open for the summer season and is open for around 100 days starting in May.

THE UK has some incredible beach lidos, but this one in the south of England is now award-winning.

Just inland beyond Saltdean Beach in Brighton is its beautiful art deco pool that previously underwent a revamp – and has just won a prestigious prize.

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Saltdean Lido has been open since 1938 to keen swimmers and has undergone significant upgrades throughout the years.

But in 2010, Saltdean Lido began a major revamp, preserving original features, restoring the building and upgrading the café, library, ballroom and an exercise space.

It cost an estimated £11million which was paid for by donations and National Lottery funding.

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After 14 years, it was finally completed in 2024 and now, it is one of six winners in the South East division of the 2026 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards.

The prestigious architecture award celebrates design innovation and social impact of buildings around the country.

Along with the other winners, Saltdean Lido was praised as being “exceptional.”

Saltdean Lido is a 40 metre outdoor heated pool and remains open all year, even during the winter.

It has a kids’ splash pool and grassy area making it a popular spot in the summer months.

In the lido building is a café which recently rebranded as the Reading Room, which serves up snacks, toasties and drinks.

On-site is also a gym, as well as saunas and plunge pools designed to increase circulation and boost immune systems.

Classes are held at the lido too, from yoga to Pilates, tai chi and dance – it’s also home to a public library.

There’s a huge ballroom too where events are held and it can even be hired out for weddings.

Events take place throughout the year; coming up in a few months is ‘Dogtember’, which is dubbed the ‘biggest dog swimming event in the UK’.

It runs for four weekends where dogs and humans alike will take to the pool in 90-minute sessions.

Built in the 1930s, the lido was considered such an innovative design of its time.

However, it was forced to close just two years later due to the war and remained closed for the next 19 years.

It was even nearly bought by Butlins in 1958 when it was derelict but this plan was scrapped.

The lido reopened in 1964 after being bought by the Brighton Town Council.