A popular south London lido will not reopen in time for summer after “buried asbestos” was discovered during a £4m revamp.
Works have been ongoing at Tooting Bec Lido since December because its existing systems have reached the end of their life.
But on Wednesday, Wandsworth Council said it could not reopen the popular outdoor swimming spot in time for summer due to “unforeseen circumstances” during repairs.
Council officials said this included “the discovery of unknown buried asbestos following demolition”.
Judi Gasser, Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I am so disappointed that we are not able to complete the works in the timescale we had hoped.
“I love the Lido and will really miss swimming there over the summer, as I know many residents will.
“It’s vital that these essential works are carried out to preserve the lido so that it may be enjoyed by the public for years to come.
“We are working to reopen the lido as soon as possible and are very sorry for the impact this delay will have.”
The works include replacing the existing pumphouses, which control the pool’s water supply, and construction of a new electrical sub-station to power the pumps.
A new UV water filtration system is also being installed.
The 90-metre lido was first opened to the public in 1906 and is the largest open-air freshwater pool by surface area in the UK.
