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Lido

We’re asking for the community’s help to secure the future of Stratford Park Lido

Sadly, the Lido, also known as the Outdoor Pool, is now at a point where simple maintenance is not enough and independent assessments have shown that around £5 million of essential works are needed before it can reopen. This includes essential structural and mechanical works and much of the equipment requiring replacement. 

Councillors are now considering the options for this much-loved facility and you can read the committee papers which help inform the decision making process here.

Over the last few months, many of you have been sharing your thoughts and opinions on the Lido, the Leisure Centre and the wider park, as part of a consultation. We have heard how important the Lido is to our communities which is why one of the options being proposed is to ask residents, swimmers and supporters to help explore how fundraising efforts could secure the future of the Lido.  We have approached Friends of Stratford Park Lido.

If you would like to be part of a fundraising effort, please sign up here.

We understand many of you will also want to comment and we ask you to email Lido@stroud.gov.uk. 

Following more detailed discussions with experts, we now fully understand the true extent of the work required. The Lido is at a point where essential structural and mechanical works are required for it to operate safely and reliably. Opening for “one more summer” is not possible because:

  • The level of maintenance required exceeds what can be delivered within existing budgets.
  • Continuing to operate the site without investment would risk further deterioration, leading to higher long term repair costs.
  • Temporary fixes would still require significant expenditure, without addressing the underlying problems. 

You can find the risk assessment here.

Much of the engineering works are 89-years-old. We’ve repaired the site so many times but we are now at a stage where replacement is the only option.

Councillors have committed to borrowing £800,000 for improvements to the Lido. This was part of a £2.7m package of investments for the site including the Leisure Centre and the Lido. It was committed after two condition surveys were carried out before Stroud District Council took over the running of the site.

You can read the conditions surveys below:

However, following more detailed discussions with experts, we now fully understand the true extent of the work required. This total now stands at £5million. You can read more about this in the committee papers which will be helping Councillors in the decision making process next week. You can find the papers here.

Borrowing has been fully explored, but it is not financially viable because: 

o   The Lido’s income is not sufficient to cover the annual repayments associated with the level of borrowing required. 

o   Borrowing now would create a large long term financial commitment for both the council and the future new local authority. 

o   Borrowing would therefore expose public funds to unsustainable risk at a time when stability is essential. 

No. Stroud District Council will protect the Lido until its future becomes clearer. This is a temporary pause, not a permanent closure. 

The council has explored:

o   Capital investment options 

o   External funding opportunities 

o   Longterm financial modelling 

o   Multiple operational scenarios 

 

Unfortunately, none provide a sustainable route to keep the Lido open at this time. 

No. Public access is not permitted while the site is temporarily closed for safety and security reasons. 

No, staff will be redeployed within the wider leisure service. 

No. The Lido is being protected, not disposed of. Stroud District Council is committed to protecting the Lido until its future becomes clearer. The intention is to safeguard the site until a long term investment decision can be made.

Yes. Stroud District Council is committed to working with the local community on the future of the Lido. To get involved, please sign up here.

Residents can visit www.stroud.gov.uk/Lido to find more about how they can sign up to support community groups exploring funding opportunities or leave their feedback about the Lido.

The diving platform is one of only four inter-War concrete diving platforms known to survive in England and, as such, as granted Grade II listed status. Stroud District Council is committed to preserving the structure.

You can find out more on the Historic England website here.