London Is Set To Get Its First New Lido In Over A Decade

6 months ago

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Have you ever logged onto a lido website first thing to secure an hour-long swimming slot for yourself and your pals as if they’re some in-demand concert tickets? London’s lidos are busy year-round but, come summer, they’re pretty much overrun. It’s great news, then, that soon we will have another pool to queue up for: a brand new lido in Valentines Park, Redbridge.

A New Lido Is Coming To London In 2025

Redbridge Council’s Planning Committee has officially approved proposals to build a shiny new lido in Valentines Park, with construction beginning later this year. If all runs smoothly, the lido will welcome its first swimmers in autumn 2025.

The new lido will sit close to Valentines Park’s original lido, which sadly closed in 1995, having first opened in 1923. It is hoped that the new lido – which will be 25 metres long with six lanes – will boost the local economy while also restoring the park’s heritage. The most recent lido opening in London was Charlton Lido in Greenwich in 2013, but that was the reopening of an old lido which closed in 1989. The Valentines Park lido is a rare example of a brand new lido being constructed in London.

As well as the pool, visitors can expect a cafe, car parking, changing facilities, a children’s splash pad, and an outdoor recreation and picnic area. There will also be a gym, a dance and exercise studio and a meeting room inside.

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To ensure sustainability, the latest technology will be used in crafting the lido, including using solar panels for energy generation, air-source heat pumps, water recycling systems, and energy-efficient lighting. This will also help with cost efficiency, since the lido will be run by Redbridge Council.

‘We’re delighted we can now move forward with plans to deliver the first new Lido in London for decades,’ says Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture at Redbridge Council. ‘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.’

When Will It Open?

Valentines Park lido is expected to open in autumn 2025.

Where Is It?

Valentines Park is location in Ilford, Redbridge in East London.

How Many Lidos Are There In London?

There are currently 15 lidos in London, including managed open water spots like Hampstead Ponds. When the new Valentines Park lido opens, the number of lidos in London will be 16.

London’s lidos are: