SPLASH IN
New £4million lido to open in the UK next year with huge pool, kids’ splash park and spa zone
Plus, the UK's largest freshwater lido reopens soon
A NEW multi-million pound lido is opening in the UK next year, with a huge pool, kids' splash park and a spa zone.
After being demolished 30 years ago, a new £4million lido is returning to Valentines Park in Ilford, East London, next year.
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Valentines Park Lido has received full planning approval to be located near to the site of the original lido.
The lido will have a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool as well as a a spa pool, steam room and plunge pool, which will also have treatment rooms.
For kids, there will be a children's splash pad, with other facilities including a cafe, gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and a picnic area.
The facility is expected to open in April 2026.
Read more on lidos
A council spokesperson said: "Our borough is a great place to live, work, and visit, and we’re continuing to invest in leisure facilities so local families and visitors can access everything they need right on our doorstep.
"The new lido will provide a sustainable, fun, and social place for people to exercise in the great outdoors, while boosting our local economy and restoring the heritage of Valentines Park."
The council also intends to make the facility a year-round destination and the lido itself will be heated using sustainable energy sources.
In a series of FAQs regarding the facilities, the council added: "We are keen to explore the option of women-only swimming sessions as part of making the lido accessible and welcoming to everyone across the local community.
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"The lido will be designed to be as accessible as possible for people with disabilities [too]."
The lido originally opened back in 1924, but later closed in 1994 and was demolished the following year.
Historic 'on-of-a-kind' lido has three heated swimming pools
The original lido was inspired by another lido in Lewisham, which was seen by councillors who were on a tour of London's open-air baths.
When planning permission was approved last year, Mark Baigent, corporate director of regeneration and culture, at Redbridge Council said: "We're delighted we can now move forward with plans to deliver the first new lido in London for decades.
"The old lido in Valentines Park holds a special place in the hearts of local people.
"It is where families enjoyed idyllic summer days right on their doorsteps and it is so exciting that after nearly 30 years, a brand new lido and more will be introduced in the park for people to visit and create new special memories.
"As a council, we will continue to invest in leisure facilities so local families and visitors can access everything they need right on our doorstep."
Many locals are happy to welcome the return of the lido.
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One local commented on a Facebook post: "Will be great to see the lido back…had a lot of fun in the old one in the 70s."
Another added: "Brilliant! I'm so excited. There are no lido's for miles."
A third wrote: "I think it looks brilliant and hope I get to use it regularly. It will be a wonderful asset to the area."
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The UK's largest outdoor freshwater pool is also reopening this week.
Plus, the UK lido with an outdoor heated pool and river rapids.
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