Summary
Residents turned out in force to oppose plans which would see Stratford Park lido not open this summer. To complete the essential works, Stratford Park lido would need to stay fully closed until everything is finished and safe to use and would take around a year from awarding the works contract. The second option aims at providing a better visitor experience with operational improvements at the lido. If taken forward, it would deliver all the minimum recommended works as well as transforming the toddler pool into an inclusive splash pad, creating safe water play for younger children. The disused canoe store would become a new cafe, generating income and encouraging visitors to stay longer. And extra soft landscaping would replace hard surfaces, improving the site’s appearance, drainage and biodiversity. Officers say this would create a more family friendly and appealing environment with stronger commercial potential. And it is estimated to cost £7.9m but has the potential to increase income by £1.63m over the first five years. View 4 Images
Details
This would deliver all of the infrastructure upgrades from the first option and many of the improvements of the second option. However, the paddling pool area would become a wellness garden featuring heat rooms, hydrotherapy, ice baths and relaxation spaces, and the existing 50m pool would be replaced with a more efficient heated 25m single depth pool. A new large splash pad would be created in the freed-up space, supported by a removable canopy for improved year-round use, and major landscaping would introduce green areas throughout, creating a flagship site for health, wellbeing, tourism and commercial sustainability. The last option is to close the lido and explore funding options while acknowledging the it cannot open for the 2026 season. During the closure period, the council would engage the local community and voluntary organisations. This would involve working collaboratively to allow community-led fundraising aimed at securing the third party match funded capital investment needed to reopen the lido. This approach is supported by financial modelling, ensuring that the site is protected while longer term decisions are made. Whatever the recommendation of the committee, the final decision will lie with full council.