Vast tent covers lido as revamp enters final steps

An enormous scaffold tent has been built over a lido as revamp work enters the final stages.

Hilsea Lido, in Portsmouth, closed in 2022 to be refurbished.

The tent, covering the full length of the pool, is being held in place by 160 tanks weighing one tonne each to protect the concrete pool and keep the air temperature above 5C (41F) while render, paint and tiles are added.

The 67m (220ft) lido is due to open to the public in the autumn to coincide with the 90th anniversary of its original opening in 1935.

The work has seen shallower lagoons re-added that had previously been removed.

New toilets and shower blocks have also been installed, including a Changing Places toilet.

After it was found to be unsafe, the spectator stand at the northern end of the pool has been taken down.

It featured a mural of a pair of eyes reflecting the pool by My Dog Sighs. Once the lido is back in action again he is set to paint another mural on its walls.

Portsmouth City Council said once the work was complete it would be appointing an operator to run the lido and work with the council on further phases including the restoration of the lido buildings.

The pool's revamp, part of the Hilsea Lines project, has been paid for with government funding after the council secured £20m via its Visitor Economy bid.

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