Stroud’s cherished outdoor swimming pool, Stratford Park Lido, is on course to reopen this August following essential renovation work. After suffering delays, Stroud District Council has committed £476,000 to vital repairs to ensure the safety and functionality of the 90-year-old lido, built in 1937. The reopening is scheduled for August 15, with hopes to extend the swimming season into September depending on weather, visitor demand, and operational factors.
Community campaigners from Save Our Lido Stroud have welcomed the update and encouraged the council to consider longer opening hours, suggesting a 10am to 7pm schedule, and to trial eliminating the current booking system, which they say restricts access. They also advocate maintaining early morning lane swims similar to last year and preserving a swimming lane alongside casual swim times.
The campaign group urges the council to engage the public more thoroughly about the lido’s long-term future and to collaborate on upcoming renovation projects planned from October. They envision introducing features that have boosted other lidos’ popularity, such as a café, evening events, swimming clubs, teaching sessions, film nights, young people’s activities, dog swims, a portable sauna, and even a slide.
READ MORE: Discovering a Hidden Gem: A Unique 5-Room Hotel Beside Gloucestershire
READ MORE: A40 in Gloucestershire Reopens After Crash Near M5
“This moment isn’t about grand visions that have been left idle. It’s about engaging the people of Stroud—those who saved the pool, those eager to enjoy it, and past visitors who need to be won back,” the group stated. They believe that reopening the pool this summer is a vital step to harness the community’s passion and energy, which will be crucial for restoring the lido to its former glory for another 90 years.
A Stroud District Council spokesperson confirmed that work remains on track for the August 15 reopening, highlighting that several community suggestions are already being considered as part of the facility’s reopening and future operations. Plans are also underway to make the children’s pool available this season, along with collaborative community activities to celebrate the reopening.
While previous seasons ran from late May to early September, this year’s reopening is slightly delayed due to technical challenges discovered during refurbishment, including additional pool floor repairs. Testing revealed that a full refurbishment of the filter lining isn’t necessary, allowing the council to focus investment on the highest priority tasks while sticking to their reopening timeline.
The council emphasized their ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and successful reopening and will continue to refine plans around opening hours, swimming provisions, and customer access. They acknowledge the tremendous community support for the lido over the past year and are eager to involve residents, user groups, and stakeholders in shaping its future.
Ultimately, the Stratford Park Lido stands as a treasured local facility, and the council looks forward to welcoming swimmers back this summer and beyond.