The future of Stroud’s beloved open-air Stratford Park Lido is at a critical juncture as the council prepares to discuss essential repair and investment strategies. Due to significant health and safety concerns, the lido remains closed, sparking public outcry from locals eager to see the historic site revived.
A recent assessment revealed major structural problems, including cracks in the poolside concrete near the diving board and severe corrosion of the pool’s pipework and tank. These issues pose safety risks too great for the council to reopen the facility without comprehensive repairs.
Stroud District Council estimates that approximately £5 million is required to bring the lido back to a safe, operational state—a sum currently beyond their immediate budget. With this in mind, councillors will consider several options during the Strategy and Resources Committee meeting at Ebley Mill on April 16.
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The first option proposes carrying out the bare minimum repairs to preserve the 50m pool. This would include replacing outdated pipework with modern PVC, installing an updated filtration system, and renewing heating and plant equipment. The toddler pool would be relined with new ladders and paving added, while pool depth would be reduced to 1.5m for better heat retention and accessibility. A pool hoist would also be installed to assist visitors with reduced mobility. Estimated costs for this option stand at around £5.1 million, with potential income increases of £218,000. However, the lido would remain closed for about a year to complete these works.
The second option aims to enhance the visitor experience by incorporating all minimum repairs plus additional improvements. This includes transforming the toddler pool into an inclusive splash pad designed for safe water play, converting a disused canoe store into a café, and increasing soft landscaping to boost aesthetics, drainage, and biodiversity. This family-friendly plan is projected to cost £7.9 million but could raise income by £1.63 million over five years.
A more ambitious third option envisions the lido as an outdoor wellness centre. It includes all infrastructure upgrades from the first option and many features from the second, but adds a wellness garden with heat rooms, hydrotherapy, ice baths, and relaxation spaces replacing the paddling pool. The existing 50m pool would be replaced by a more energy-efficient heated 25m single-depth pool. Additionally, a large splash pad with a removable canopy would allow for year-round use, backed by extensive green landscaping to create a flagship destination for health, wellbeing, tourism, and long-term financial sustainability. This vision is estimated at £10 million with potential income growth of £2.7 million.
Finally, the council may choose to keep the lido closed while focusing on securing external funding. This path would involve community engagement and collaboration with voluntary groups to drive fundraising efforts necessary for reopening. Supported by financial modeling, this approach avoids new costs in the next five years but delays reopening beyond the 2026 season.
Although the committee’s recommendation will heavily influence the outcome, the final decision lies with the full council, scheduled to meet on April 30. The future of Stroud’s cherished Stratford Park Lido remains uncertain, but the upcoming meetings will shape the next chapter for this vital community asset.