Statement from Council Leader Chloe Turner on Stratford Park Lido
“I want to update where we’re up to with Stratford Park Lido and what needs to happen before it could reopen.
“Last night the Council's Strategy and Resources Committee agreed that the Lido must stay closed for now so that we can properly understand what work is needed to open it safely. This includes finding out the minimum repairs required to reopen as soon as possible, how much those works would cost, and how long they would realistically take.
“Further specialist surveys have been commissioned, including underground structural checks on the diving board, pool surrounds and pipework. These build on an independent condition survey we’ve already received and can be read here: condition-survey-stratford-park-lido-april-2026-final.pdf. It identified serious safety issues that must be addressed. The results of the diving board survey are expected very soon, and the underground survey by June. I appreciate that this may sound like a long time but the Council is bound by procurement rules which all councils must abide by.
“Officers have been asked to turn all of this information into clear, costed plans with a deliverable timetable covering:
- the essential works needed to reopen safely
- options for a more extensive refurbishment
- and what will be needed in the long term
“The Council has also agreed exactly how decisions will be made once we know the costs. If the work needed to reopen can be done within the £900,000 capital budget for which provision has already been made, it will start straight away. If it costs more than that, or if significant ongoing repair costs are involved, councillors will consider further reports before any decisions are taken. Councillors are prepared to arrange additional meetings to make sure that this can happen quickly as time is of the essence.
“While the Lido is closed, we will continue working closely with local residents and volunteer groups. A Working Group is already in place, bringing together community representatives, councillors and officers, and we’ll also keep exploring match‑funding opportunities. We have committed to giving regular fortnightly public updates on progress.”
Councillor Chloe Turner, Leader, Stroud District Council
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