A British lido landmark has opened its new-look spaces after a huge £4.5million revamp. It’s hoped the huge project will mean the stunning lido, which includes a large outdoor swimming pool will be used by visitors – and locals – all-year-round.
The art deco pool was first built in 1935 and it’s Grade II listed, making it a classic setting for a summer’s day out.
The famous Tinside Lido in Plymouth is a popular place to enjoy the sun while taking a dip in the filtered crystal-clear saltwater.
Now, the sun terrace has been revamped with a café pod addition as well as a new event space. There’s a proper local feel at this spot, the lido sits beside a small shingle beach where all-year-round swimmers brave the sea in all weathers.
The south-facing area is truly a sun trap and often feels warmer than other areas nearby – this is due to the high land of Plymouth Hoe offering a ‘micro climate’ as it shelters away any northerly winds.
This year the ‘iconic’ Tinside Lido is celebrating its 90th anniversary, which coincides with the exciting restoration of the classic British summertime setting . The reimagining of the lido comes after Plymouth Sound became the UK’s first National Marine Park.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans OBE said: “People use the word iconic all the time but Tinside honestly is.
“It’s treasured not only by the people of Plymouth but visitors from far and wide – and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city, if not the country.
“But it’s not just a spectacular place to go for a swim and take in our amazing waterfront.
“This regeneration has brought a whole new life to the lido and is such an important project for the city.
“It not only protected a much-loved part of Plymouth’s heritage. It’s helped to secure its future, by creating new, inspirational spaces that the whole community – and visitors to the city – can enjoy for many years to come – exciting times are ahead!”
The restoration of the lido paves the way for new uses to support sustainability of this idyllic outdoor swimming space – and the future of the lido will help kids in Plymouth get the opportunity to learn to swim.
Rhys Jones, chief executive officer of Plymouth Active, said: “We’re delighted to see these new spaces at Tinside Lido open for the community.
“Tinside is a vital part of our mission to give every child in Plymouth the chance to learn to swim and develop a love for the water.
“The new facilities also open up opportunities for events and activities that will help sustain Tinside for future generations.”
In the future you will be able to get married at the stunning lido area, silent discos are also on the agenda along with open-air cinema events which will generate income – and this will help sustain free and low-cost youth activities for this large Devon city.