Stroud’s cherished Stratford Park Lido, which had been at risk of closure, is on course to welcome swimmers again this summer following a decisive move by Stroud District Council.
During an extraordinary council meeting, members unanimously approved an additional £276,000 in funding to carry out essential repairs, boosting the total investment in the 90-year-old outdoor pool to £476,000. This funding builds on an initial £200,000 granted in April, underscoring the council’s commitment to reopening the Lido for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The funding will address critical short-term repairs, necessary enabling works, and vital surveys, ensuring the Lido can safely operate for the upcoming summer while longer-term development plans for the site continue to advance. Representatives from all political groups — Green, Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat — were united in their support of this crucial investment.
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A spokesperson from the Save Our Lido Stroud campaign shared the community’s excitement: “We are delighted. We look forward to swimming this summer with the families of Stroud and to collaborating with the council to secure a sustainable future for the pool. It means the people of Stroud District will once again have a wonderful place to swim, play, and enjoy their summers.”
The upcoming repair work includes pool lining, stainless steel fabrication and installation, pool filling and treatment, as well as commissioning, testing, and inspections. These steps are essential and must be done thoroughly to guarantee safety and quality.
Earlier this year, the council revealed the Lido required approximately £5 million in extensive repairs to reopen. Initially, the council concluded the pool could not resume operations in 2026 due to the scale of work needed. However, after strong public support and campaigns, the council revised its strategy to implement urgent repairs more rapidly and enable reopening in time for the summer season.
Currently, the reopening is projected for August 14, 2026, with a possibility of opening earlier on July 29, depending on the progress of the works. Nonetheless, this timeline depends on no further issues arising during the repair process and on the Lido’s condition remaining stable over the winter.
Council Leader Chloe Turner emphasized the collective and careful approach behind this decision: “Our councillors thoroughly considered the funding implications, mindful that this would require savings elsewhere. However, the unanimous decision reflects our community’s strong desire to see their Lido open again.
“This is a complex project, but thanks to the detailed assessments by our officers and experts, we now have a clear, deliverable plan. The approved funding enables us to proceed with essential repairs, ensure safety, and prepare to welcome visitors back this summer.”
Alongside immediate repairs, the funded surveys will inform future long-term operational and investment decisions. The £476,000 allocated is distinct from a separate proposed £900,000 capital borrowing package intended for more significant improvements, which awaits further approval.
Preparations are also underway to ensure the facility’s safety and functionality upon reopening, including recruitment of staff and lifeguards.
The community eagerly anticipates the return of this treasured outdoor swimming venue, a beacon of summer fun and local heritage.