Work to transform a much-loved outdoor pool begins at the end of May, as contractors begin the restoration of Hilsea Lido.
The council are redeveloping Hilsea Lido as part of the Hilsea Lines project in the north of the city, to improve the area and encourage residents and visitors to use it.
The council have been working closely with consultancy company, Mace, along with contractors, Beard, to plan this complex project, with lots of work needed to bring the lido back into public use. Now that this stage has been completed, work will begin on-site from the week commencing the 27 May. This follows consultation events that took place with the community in March this year.
The first thing the public will have seen is the removal of some of the fountain parts at the west end of the site. Pipework under the fountain needs to be removed as part of the project, so a replica is being created by Portsmouth based stonemason Darren Somerville. It’ll be restored in pride of place in the middle of the site when the project is complete.
The spectator stand at the north of the site has been declared unsafe, so this will be removed. This will include the mural by My Dog Sighs. The council are working with him to record the demolition as part of the project, and he will return to paint another mural once the lido is up and running again.
Other work includes removing the plant room roof to clear away the old pool equipment, which will be replaced with a brand new, modern filtration system. The pool will also be drained, ready for work to take place to stabilise the base and restore the original lagoons that had been removed.
Once the initial phase of the work is complete, the project will move into the build stage where new pipework will be installed in deep trenches, the pool and the surrounding area will be restored, and new modular changing units will be installed. The project is due to be complete by spring 2025, and open to the public for the summer season.
Lesha Chetty, Business Unit Director for Local Government and Communities at Mace Consult, said: “We know how valuable facilities like Hilsea Lido are in creating a sense of place for residents and boosting Portsmouth’s economy. That’s why we’re delighted to be supporting the council on its transformation, leaving a legacy for local communities and restoring a valuable asset for the city.”
Pat Hughes, Director at Beard, said: “Beard is hugely honoured to be chosen to complete this wonderful restoration project. It is a fantastic way to mark the opening of our new office in the region and will allow us to showcase more than a century of skills and experience in delivering exceptional builds. This includes work within the education sector, healthcare, historic buildings and in sports and leisure, including outdoor public swimming facilities.
“We look forward to working with Portsmouth City Council and all parties to deliver the exciting vision for this iconic attraction.”
