
Britain's deepest lido boasting its own lagoon moves one step closer to reopening after three-year closure
Britain's deepest lido has been undergoing a £7.6million refurbishment under a government programme.
3
3
3
Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has been a go-to place for local families since its original opening in 1935.
Legendary actor Sean Connery also frequented the outdoor pool for his swimming sessions.
Hilsea Lido first closed its doors back in 2007, but it reopened back in 2014 after its management was taken over by Hilsea Lido Pool for the People - a charity formed by residents.
The charity group was forced to close the iconic lido again in 2022 as it was in a desperate need for a refurb.
New management team
It has now been announced that the team behind Sea Lanes in Brighton will be taking over the Hilsea Lido management.
Harry Smith, Director at Sea Lanes, said: 'We are thrilled to be chosen as the preferred operators of Hilsea Lido, we see it as more than a more than a pool, it's a unique place with history and heart.
"A hub for the local community. A centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub, a welcome space where people of all ages can recharge, move and connect.
"From invigorating swims and soul-soothing sauna sessions to family themed activities, delicious eats and energising events, there will be something for everyone.
"To help us create our vision we want to hear from the Portsmouth community as to how Hilsea Lido can meet their needs."
New facilities
Thanks to the Government's Levelling Up programme, the outdoor pool has received a £7.6million worth of investment.
Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades
Once the lido has reopened, it will have upgraded facilities including new changing rooms, benches, tables, and a fountain.
The fully functioning unheated pool will also feature ramps to provide more accessibility to people with mobility issues.
The new modern filtration system has been installed to ensure clear and safe for swimming water for years to come.
The team at Sea Lanes will also be bringing food and drink pop up stores, saunas and health and wellbeing businesses into the area.
Opening date
Local residents have been excited about the re-opening of the lido for which they hold fond memories.
No official opening date has been revealed just yet, but there is more information on the Portsmouth City Council website.
It reads: "The project is set to reopen in early autumn 2025, which is the same year the lido will celebrate its 90th anniversary."
And here are the .
Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Hidden camera captures first glimpse of rare snow leopard born at UK zoo
A hidden camera has captured the first glimpse of a rare snow leopard born at a zoo in the UK. The cub is the first of its kind to be born at Chester Zoo in its 94-year history. Zoo teams have been monitoring the cub and its first-time parents, Nubra, three, and Yashin, three, using a special den camera that captured adorable moments between the family. The cub, born on 10 June, is growing in strength and confidence and could take its first steps outside at any moment, the zoo said.


The Guardian
30 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Judas Priest review – thrash, hellfire, dazzling guitar … Ozzy would have loved it
The day before this gig was the saddest in heavy metal history. With the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the genre lost its irrepressible everyman Prince of Darkness, and all the warmth, charm and folly that made him relatable to so many. But with this 35th anniversary tour for their Painkiller album, Judas Priest provide some therapy. For years, the band have used Black Sabbath's War Pigs as a walk-on song and the moment the tape kicks in, an impassioned and cathartic mass singalong sweeps across the amphitheatre. Any sense that this might be a sombre do is squashed in seconds. 'Hello, metal maniacs!' says singer Rob Halford, wearing a bedazzled leather trenchcoat and aviator sunglasses. Priest are a one-off who helped define metal's image as well as its sound, going all in on the most exaggerated parts – the denim, leather, studs and no shortage of demonic motifs – while retaining street cred for more than 50 years. With the anthemic recent song Gates of Hell, eternal damnation has never sounded so inviting. The Serpent and the King – another from last year's Invincible Shield album – is also exhilarating: a full-on burst of thrash driven by Scott Travis's impeccable double-bass drum style. On the likes of Hell Patrol, the septuagenarian Halford can still nail the inexplicable, guttural shrieks. Guitarist Richie Faulkner came close to death in 2021 after a severe aortic rupture on stage: he survived 10 hours of emergency open-heart surgery where parts of his chest were replaced with mechanical components. With gurns aplenty, Halford admires one of Faulkner's dazzling lead breaks on One Shot at Glory, hovering his tattooed head around the fretboard. 'It's been tough, the last 24-hours, but he would want us to be together doing this, having a good time. We love you, Ozzy,' Halford says to huge cheers, introducing Giants in the Sky. This is their ode to rock's fallen greats, as the faces of Lemmy, Chris Cornell, Christine McVie, and now Ozzy – among others – are flashed on screen to a soundtrack of hefty riffs. That Judas Priest are not only performing at an admirable level but still making stellar new music in their sixth decade, further cements their place alongside Sabbath on the Mount Rushmore of metal gods.


Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Olly Murs' pregnant wife Amelia shows off her blossoming bump in a stylish bikini for sweet post with 'mini me' daughter Madison - ahead of the birth of their second child
Pregnant Amelia Murs showcased her blossoming baby bump in a stylish bikini as she shared a sweet clip with lookalike daughter Madison on Thursday. The fitness fanatic, 32, who shares the 15-month old with singer husband Olly, 40, took to Instagram to model a range of 'bump friendly outfits', ahead of the birth of the couple's second child. Amelia stunned in the tiny burgundy two piece which showcased her gorgeous figure which she teamed with sandals and shades. She later slipped into a chic black and white crochet dress which she modelled alongside her daughter who was sported a similar look. Next she commanded attention in a pair of pleated pink shorts and bright with knitted lime top while posing up a storm for her followers. She captioned the post:: 'POV: Matchy holiday outfits with your mini me is everythingboth head to toe in @marksandspencer'. Amelia and Olly announced their second pregnancy in April. In an adorable black and white video, the family of three were seen walking through the park with Madison sat on her father's shoulders. She wore a denim jacket embossed with the words 'BIG SIS', while Amelia held a reel of snaps of the baby scan. They penned in a caption: 'We're so egg-cited to share this..… Another Baby Murs on the way.' Olly and his bodybuilder partner tied the knot in July 2023 and announced the arrival of their baby girl on April 17. Just 48 hours after Amelia had given birth, the singer was back on tour supporting Take That. The singer told the crowd at the time how he had been juggling nappies and late nights, but felt guilty he had been working away from home. He said: 'It's been the most craziest time. Cos obviously on one hand I've got this beautiful baby girl, my wife is at home looking after her with the nappies, and the sleepless nights. Next she commanded attention in a pair of pleated pink shorts and bright with knitted lime top while posing up a storm for her followers She captioned the post: 'POV: matchy holiday outfits with your mini me is everythingboth head to toe in @marksandspencer' And I'm on tour with Take That. I feel guilty!' Last month, Olly candidly confessed he broke down in tears after he was forced to leave her just two days after her birth. He admitted to the emotional toll the decision had on him months after when he realised he had never got to know his daughter as a baby. Speaking with new dad Mark Wright on their Heart Breakfast show, Olly confessed: 'It was really hard for me as I had to leave two days after the baby was born to go on tour with Take That.' He explained: 'I didn't really process it at the time and a few months later me and Amelia were chatting and I just broke down in tears as I never got a chance to actually get to know this little baby.' Supporting his pal amid his decision to leave his family for work commitments, Mark added: 'But you were doing it all for her future.' While touring with Take That, Olly raced home to Essex after gigs to spend time with Amelia and Madison. In the exclusive clip obtained my MailOnline last April, Olly explained: 'But this week I've been home. 'I've done the nappies, I've done the late nights and I can't wait to stay on tour. 'I'm joking! Honestly, she is truly awesome. 'I never thought I'd be a dad, so I can't quite believe it. Pointing to his manhood, Olly shouted: 'It works! And genuinely I'm super, super proud. And to be on this tour, it's just topped it off. So what an amazing time for me right now.'