Treasured art-deco lido on UK seafront opens new cove, pool and cafe in £4.5million revamp

Scottish Sun

22-07-2025

The revamp sets the space up for year-round use
SPLASH OUT Treasured art-deco lido on UK seafront opens new cove, pool and cafe in £4.5million revamp
AN iconic lido with stunning coastal views has opened exciting new facilities as part of ongoing works.
The major renovation has totalled £4.5 million and includes a new cove cafe and bar on the premises.
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Tinside Lido has undergone a £4.5 million revamp to add year-round spaces to the facility
Credit: Tinside Lido
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The outdoor pool offers stunning views across Plymouth Sound
Credit: Tinside Lido
This historic structure has been part of the Tinside landscape for almost a century, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
Originally opened in 1935, the premises was refurbished for the first time in 2005.
And now, the Tinside Lido has officially opened new spaces, further enhancing its draw to tourists and locals alike.
The outdoor pool has been carefully restored and reimagined as part of the UK's first National Marine Park.
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Underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building have been transformed as part of the development.
Recent revamp
The project was carried out to safeguard the space for future generations and has created a connection with Plymouth Sound.
As part of the work, the first floor of the lido has been brought back into use as a flexible, multi-purpose space.
It has been earmarked for youth activities, digital learning, training, and events, and is supported by a new kitchen and bar facility.
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Meanwhile, the sun terrace has been revitalised with a café pod and a pop-up event space.
Ramped access has also been installed to ensure everyone can enjoy the stunning views.
New £4million lido to open in UK next year
In addition, the building that provides both pool and cove access, has been remodelled to include improved accessibility and changing facilities.
This work was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Heritage Horizons Award, the UK Government's Youth Investment Fund and Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council.
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Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, spoke about the revamp.
'People use the word iconic all the time but Tinside honestly is," he said.
"It's treasured not only by the people of Plymouth but visitors from far and wide – and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city, if not the country.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
"If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
"It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life".
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: 'Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
'Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in."
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
"And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
'Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second."
"But it's not just a spectacular place to go for a swim and take in our amazing waterfront."
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He went on to say that the renovation has breathed "new life" into the area.
'This regeneration is such an important project for the city," the councillor continued.
"It's not only protected a much-loved part of Plymouth's heritage.
"It's helped to secure its future, by creating new, inspirational spaces that the whole community – and visitors to the city – can enjoy for many years to come. Exciting times are ahead.'
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Taryn Nixon, trustee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chair of England – London and South Committee, also spoke about the work.
'Tinside Lido is a shining example of reinvesting in our heritage to create amazing new opportunities for people and for the city," she said.
"The lido has been such an iconic part of Plymouth's identity since 1935 and thanks to National Lottery players it has been given new life, in its 90th birthday year, for completely new audiences to connect with Plymouth's rich ocean heritage.
"The Heritage Fund is very proud to have been able to support this ambitious project and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through our Heritage Horizon Awards.'
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The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched the Heritage Horizons Awards in 2019 to support ambitious, innovative, and transformational projects hoping to revolutionise UK heritage.
These awards help to transform lives and economies, and also put the UK at the lead of major environmental, cultural, and heritage projects.
They also show confidence in the country's heritage sector to rebuild and thrive.
Plymouth Active, which operates Tinside Lido in partnership with the Council, has also welcomed the project's completion.
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It noted its significance for the future of the lido and its commitment to giving every child in Plymouth the opportunity to learn to swim.
Year-round space
Rhys Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Active, spoke to the Plymouth Herald about the revitalised space.
'We're delighted to see these new spaces at Tinside Lido open for the community," he said.
"Tinside is a vital part of our mission to give every child in Plymouth the chance to learn to swim and develop a love for the water.
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"The new facilities also open up opportunities for events and activities that will help sustain Tinside for future generations.'
The restoration also paves the way for new uses to support the lido's long-term sustainability, year-round.
This includes the potential to host silent discos, open-air cinema events, and weddings,.
These events would generate income that will help sustain youth activities beyond the five-year Heritage Horizons Award period.
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More on lidos
Plus, another historic seaside lido, which has been abandoned for decades.
And Britain's deepest lido, which boasts its own lagoon, is set to reopen after a three-year closure.
An historic lido featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool and waterslide has reopened after a £130,000 upgrade.
Plus, a historic lido with "stunning" mountain views that has been abandoned for decades.
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