Considering it’s so blooming cold all of the time, London lidos get an awful lot of love. But south London swimmers were left dry after Tooting Bec lido closed for refurbishment in November last year.
Tooting Bec Lido dates all the way back to 1906, and it’s the largest open-air freshwater pool in the UK at 90 metres long. After an extended period of closure in order to preserve the lidos future and refresh the old pumphouse and water purification systems, it is now set to reopen this week.
The major refurbishment, which cost £4 million, includes a new and improved look around the lido as well as modernised pipework and filtration systems. There’s a swanky new entrance, sauna and cafe. And the changing facilities have been given an upgrade, too: with the addition of gender-neutral showers, toilets and family changing.
The glow-up should have happened in the summer, but unfortunately met some obstacles along the way, which delayed the opening. But the wait is over… for some lucky dippers at least. The lido opens today (Monday, December 18) to South London Swimming Club members, before opening to the general public next spring.
You may also like:
Also published on Medium.
