London’s oldest lido formally reopened to the public on Wednesday following a £4million makeover which began in 2022.
Tooting Bec Lido, which was first opened to the public in 1906 and is also the largest open-air freshwater swimming pool in the UK, was closed on December 22, 2022 for refurbishments.
The 90-metre-long pool reopened to South London Swimming Club members on December 18 and now more than 1,000 local residents have booked a free family swim on its first full day back in action.
Five-time Paralympic gold medalist Ellie Simmonds unveiled a plaque at the swimming pool on Wednesday to celebrate its reopening.
Some 250 residents will be able to visit the pool for free each day as part of Wandsworth Council’s cost-of-living support fund.
Upgrades include a new entrance, sauna, cafe, changing facilities and improved pipe works.
Improvements also include a new pumphouse and a UV filtration and water purification system.
Wandsworth Council leader Simon Hogg said: “Welcome back to the Tooting Bec Lido. The oldest and best Lido in London is now open again following £4million worth of investment by Wandsworth Council.
“This investment means we have protected the lido for the next 50 years so that local people can enjoy it for generations to come. Book your tickets for the summer now.”
Councillor Hogg added: “Our revamped and refurbished lido is the perfect place to announce our latest support package for families in Wandsworth who are facing tough times because of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Our Access for All initiative means they can come to popular places like the lido or any of our other leisure centres and get in for free.
“This will make a huge difference to families who would not be able to enjoy days out in such great surroundings and builds upon a whole range of measures we’ve already put in place to help our struggling households.”
