Sandford Parks Lido announces name change and it makes perfect sense

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey takes part in a water aerobics class as he visits Sandford Parks Lido during campaigning for the General Election on June 30, 2024 in Cheltenham, England. With less than a week to go before the UK General Election all the main political parties are out in force this weekend campaigning for votes.  (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


A lido in Gloucestershire has announced it is changing its name next year. And the new name will leave people in no doubt as to where it is located.

Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham is to be rebranded as Cheltenham Lido in 2025. It wants the name change to be seen as giving the popular outdoor swimming pool back to the town's community.

The lido is situation in Sandford Parks (hence its name) and closed to Cheltenham General Hospital. As well as a full-length swimming pool, it also has a shallow children's play pool and slide.

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Announcing the name change on its social media channels, the lido said: "We are pleased to announce that Sandford Parks Lido will be changing its name to Cheltenham Lido effective from the 2025 heated swim season. This change reflects our dedication to giving the Lido back to the Cheltenham community and ensuring its legacy for the next 90 years.

"In line with this exciting development, we will be introducing a new range of merchandise, aligned with our ongoing sustainability initiatives. This eco - friendly collection will be the first to carry the Cheltenham Lido name, supporting our commitment to a greener future.We look forward to embarking on this new chapter together and we thank you for your continued support."

It was in 1935 that the Lido first opened in the town and the design was by Gilbert Marsland, who served as the borough surveyor from 1933 to 1960. And it proved controversial.

Those in favour claimed that a facility of this kind would enhance the town’s reputation as a spa and health resort, encouraging tourism. Those against warned that the cost of running and maintaining the pool would burden the town and its ratepayers. For a change, the financial doom mongers didn’t win and the Lido opened this week in 1935.

Earlier this year, the lido learned it will be getting a funding boost of more than £306,000 to improve energy efficiency which will help “keep the facility open”. The English Sports Council set aside funding to improve the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools to help alleviate cost pressures and mitigate the risk of closures of public sector swimming pools. In 2023, the Government made £80 million available for public swimming pool providers.