Newbury Lido to undergo £5 million refurbishment

The lido in Newbury’s Northcroft Leisure Centre will be reopening after a £5 million refurbishment. 

The facility will be closed over the summer while major works are underway and the outdoor pool will be closed to the public while undergoing refurbishment. 

Once the planning application has been approved, the pool will have racer slides, water fountains, a new cafe and a toddler splash pad. 

In addition to this, the lido would also be reduced in length, going from 72 metres to 50 metres, which would qualify as the length of an Olympic swimming pool.

Considered the largest outdoor pool in Berkshire, the pool was originally designed in 1870 with two shallow ends and a deep section in the middle. 

West Berkshire Council’s executive committee heard on 24 March that the pool has not been invested in since its makeover in 1960.

After the new £5 million refurbishment, they hope to increase the total number of visitors from 20,000 to 50,000 per year. 

West Berkshire’s executive member for leisure and culture, Cllr Howard Woollaston, commented: “This is very exciting news! 

“We had a great response from local people and now we’re in a position to move forward with the improvement plan, making the best of this unique facility for future generations.”

The new pool, scheduled to reopen in 2023, will be designed to reduce the usual level of maintenance needed and will come with a tank, as well as a reduced depth of 1.5 metres.

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Council leader Lynn Doherty said: “It will attract people from all over. Some authorities are closing lidos – but we are investing in it. Outdoor swimming is growing in popularity.

“I sat round it as a teenager and have very fond memories. It is disappointing that residents can’t use it this summer but the long term future of six months of use a year is great. I look forward in the future to taking grandchildren there!”

Contracts for the lido’s makeover will soon be issued to move to the planning application stage.