Plymouth's Tinside Lido to become awesome events space

-Credit: (Image: Submitted)
-Credit: (Image: Submitted)


Work restarts this week on the £4.5m refurbishment of Plymouth’s Tinside Lido after its busy summer season. Construction begins again on Tuesday, October 1, to create spaces for events and install a coffee pod.

The Grade II listed lido closed this month after a season finale featuring free swimming sessions and a doggy paddle as part of the well-attended Seafest weekend. The refurbishment is designed to open up new spaces and is funded by grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund and Plymouth City Council.

Scaffolding went up around the lido in May, with repair work beginning the following month. Now the main revamp is starting and improvements will include:

READ MORE:Plymouth's biggest sport and health investment for years begins

READ MORE:Anger as no buses go to Plymouth's new £29m crematorium

  • the creation of a multi-purpose youth, community and events space on the derelict first floor of the main Lido building

  • a revamp of the single-storey building between the lido and Tinside Cove to provide a base where youth workers, rangers and volunteers can introduce young people to opportunities created by the National Marine Park

  • a renovation of the terrace on top of the main building to include a new public seating area, with a coffee pod and multi-purpose event space overlooking the sound.

The new “contemporary” spaces are designed to attract new visitors, support youth work and community use and help generate income from commercial events and conferences. They will enable youth workers to engage with young people and equip them with skills by providing “an open doorway to blue tech, innovation and creative industries as well as a safe space for exploring blue health benefits”.

Construction is expected to finish by Spring 2025. Contractor Nevada Construction has completed initial enabling works, including waterproofing and installation of safety railings to the terrace.

Plymouth City Council said the work should not be noisy and dust will be contained within the hoardings around the site, a small number of car parking/taxi spaces will be needed for building material deliveries. Details can be found on the hoardings along the street and colonnade levels.

Work begins on a huge overhaul of Tinside Lido, the Hoe, Plymouth -Credit:William Telford
Work begins on a huge overhaul of Tinside Lido, the Hoe, Plymouth -Credit:William Telford

Tinside is one of three key “gateways” to the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, which aims to help people enjoy being in, on, under and beside the sea. Council Leader Tudor Evans said: said: “Many will see Tinside Lido as the jewel in the crown of our National Marine Park and the renewal of this iconic building will breathe new life into Plymouth’s historic waterfront. This investment will create a modern, dynamic space that can be enjoyed by even more people, as well as truly celebrate the city’s relationship with the sea.”

Cllr Jemima Laing, deputy councillor leader and cabinet member with responsibility for children’s social care, culture and events, said: “This is an amazing opportunity to work with and support young people, increasing children and young people’s positive engagement in the city’s green and blue spaces.

“It enables us to offer more fun and engaging activities for young people, developing their confidence and skills in these environments. It is also a fantastic and fun way to highlight the training and employment opportunities that are developing in Plymouth’s growing blue and green economy.”

Tinside Lido is a 180 feet in diameter, semi-circular, sea water bathing pool built in 1935. Faithfully restored and re-opened in 2003, it now represents one of the best examples of surviving art-deco lido pools in the country and was listed Grade II as a building of special architectural and historic interest in 1998 by Historic England. The Lido setting is reflected by its status as a Grade II historic park and garden as well as being included in the Hoe Conservation Area.

The lido is managed and operated by council-owned Plymouth Active Leisure on a ten-year lease, having taken over from Everyone Active nearly three years ago, and is a key partner in the project. Rhys Jones, chief operating officer for Plymouth Active, said it plays a “vital role” in the life of the city. He said: "This investment will help ensure the lido can cater for the needs of young people, community groups and commercial events so it can continue to flourish, by supporting the community and the local economy for generations to come.”

Click here to join PlymouthLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.