reopen

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.

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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.

BRITAIN’S oldest lido is set to open to the public this weekend for the first time in years.

The historic swimming facility will be open for just one day, giving fans the chance to get a rare peek at 200-year old pool.

Cleveland Pools in Bath, is set to reopen this Sunday for the first time in over three years.

It was first built in 1815 and is the oldest of its kind to exist in the UK, but closed in 1984.

A huge campaign and a £10million refurbishment saw it reopen for just four months in 2023 before it was forced to close again due to flood damage.

The public have not had a chance to visit the Grade II listed lido up until now, with Cleveland Pools Trust running an open day for the public.

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It is important to note that the pools are not currently open for swimming.

So while this is not a chance to have a swim, you will have a chance to hear talks on the future of the site.

Visitors will be able to meet the trustees and volunteers to hear about their vision for the site.

The free event will also have children’s activities and heritage walks around the site.

“This Open Day is an opportunity to shape the future of the pools as we explore a viable and appropriate route to re-opening,” a note on the trustee website explains.

It is running from 10:30am to 4pm, on Sunday, September 13 at Cleveland Pools, Hampton Row, Bath, BA2 6QS.

A SEASIDE funicular is set to finally reopen next year – after being closed for a decade.

Folkestone’s Leas Lift first opened in 1885, but was forced to close back in 2017.

However, a long campaign has finally see restoration works start, with it planning to reopen by 2027.

The £6.6million works will restore the main systems, which connects the top of the cliff to the beach.

Not only that but the cafe is also being restored, along with the waiting room and addition of an outdoor terrace.

It remains one of the oldest in the UK, and one of just three of its kind left, being a water-balance funicular.

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It has since carried more than 36million people since it opened.

It had hoped to reopen by this summer, although this has since been delayed to next year.

But its great new for families visiting the seaside town, as it makes the cliff and beach much more accessible.

Chair of the Leas Lift Build Committee Jo Streeter said in regards to works starting: “We wanted to be absolutely sure that as well as getting value for money – which is vital for our funders and supporters – we selected a company that understands what the Lift means to Folkestone.”

Folkestone even had two other lifts – The Metropole Lift and the Sandgate Hill Lift – although these no longer exist.

And the seaside town has recently surged in popularity, with it being less than an hour from London.

It was even named one of the best places to live in the UK.

But the Leas Lift is not the only funicular reopening in the UK.

Saltburn Tramway recently reopened after an eight month closure.

The 142-year-old funicular – the oldest of its kind in the UK – is open to the public with tickets from £1.50

ONE of the most iconic buildings in the capital’s skyline is set to become a 400-room hotel.

The Grade-II BT Tower in London is being transformed into a hotel, with rooms in the tower itself.

Levels seven to 23 of the Tower will all have accommodation, with each floor featuring four curved rooms around the central structure.

As for the lower floors, a new building will be developed at the bottom of the Tower, with a rooftop pool on level six, outdoor seating areas and wildflower roof gardens.

The lower ground floor will then feature events spaces and restaurants, and the ground floor will have a wine bar as well as other Class E businesses which could include a gym, shops and cafes.

Hotel rooms will then start on the first floor as well as another events space with the same for levels two to six, with some outdoor terraces, too.

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At the top of the Tower (level 34) – which used to be home to a revolving restaurant and viewing platform – there will be a 360-degree visitor attraction including a ‘revolving floor’, with suggestions it could be a restaurant again.

There will then be another events space on level 35 with an outdoor terrace and level 36 will have two more events spaces and two lobbies.

Levels 31 to 33 will also have events spaces.

Levels 24 to 28 and 37 to 40 will all be used for storage and building maintenance.

Outside the base of the Tower, a new public square will be constructed too.

The park will feature curved timber benches, large pebble seating areas and bronze metal artwork.

Construction is expected to start in 2029 and the hotel is then due to open in 2033.

The BT Tower first opened in 1964 as the Post Office Tower and was the capital’s tallest building until the NatWest Tower opened in 1980.

The Tower then closed to the public in 1981 – though, there will be some private events.

The hotel was then purchased by MCR, an American hotel chain, in 2024 for £270million.

A MUCH-LOVED ride has closed at Disneyland Paris ahead of a huge makeover.

Crush’s Coaster at Disney Adventure World is now closed until summer 2027 as it undergoes its biggest upgrade in 20 years.

The coaster, which takes riders through the East Australian Current, will have technical elements replaced as well as sections of the track.

In the second phase of the refurbishment, the coaster will be tested to ensure it functions properly before reopening.

Of course, the upgrade will refresh the ride’s show elements as well, such as repainting and repairs.

Crush’s Coaster was last closed in 2015 for six months but this project will be the biggest in the ride’s history.

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Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement about the upgrade: “I’m happy about the refurb but I’ve booked for November. Massively underrated ride.”

Another person added: “Glad to see this happening.”

There are a number of other closures taking place at the theme park including Peter Pan’s flight, which is closed until September 19.

Pirate’s Beach is currently closed and will be until October 23 for a safety inspection as well as replacement of the ground padding.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups will be closed between September 21 and October 2 to repaint the floor.

La Tanière du Dragon will close on October 5 until the middle of the month for servicing.

A HISTORIC ride at one of the UK’s top theme parks is set to reopen.

Blackpool‘s Pleasure Beach Resort has confirmed that its River Caves ride will reopen after a period of “reimagination”.

The classic water ride first opened in 1905 and is much-loved by families visiting the theme park.

Amanda Jean Thompson OBE, the managing director of Pleasure Beach Resort said: “Hopefully the River Caves will be reopening next year.

“One of the reasons why we had to close when we closed, is because we were hemorrhaging so much water from the ride.

“First of all we’ve got to find where all the leaks are.

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“That’s what we are working on right now.”

She then added details about how the ride will change, commenting: “What I can tell you is what will remain – the Egyptian scene will remain but it and the Angkor Wat scene, which is so integral to Aviktas will remain, but rethemed and redone.

“There will be new scenes of new travels and all different areas of where my grandparents travelled to and my parents travelled to.

“The River Caves are basically the story of where my grandparents travelled to in the close period of the park.

“I think the Blue Grotto may stay because I particularly like that area.”

She joked: “The rest will be new and remains top secret for now, because I keep changing my mind.”

“Will definitely be in the Far East for one section and Latin America for another section.”

“The boats are being done now, and one is currently being redesigned now – we are making them smaller and much more comfortable.”

It comes after visits photographed staff working on the ride the week including refitting wheels before the rides final drop.

River Caves closed back in early 2024 due to technical complications.

Since, little details have been shared about whether the ride would reopen and when.

She also confirmed there’s a new ice show in the making as well.