Peterborough’s beloved outdoor Lido pool opened its gates on Saturday, 28 March for its 2026 season – nearly two months earlier than usual – as the historic facility marks its 90th birthday. The Grade II listed Art Deco swimming pool, which first opened in 1936, has received a £90,000 upgrade with new motorised retractable covers designed to keep the water warmer for longer and cut energy costs.
The covers have been installed across the main 50-metre pool and learner pool, allowing the heated outdoor swimming facility to open early and stay open until the end of September. This extended season gives swimmers approximately six months of outdoor swimming – a significant boost for the Peterborough community following years of uncertainty about the pool’s future.
The Lido faced its darkest hour in 2024 when Peterborough City Council proposed closing the facility to save £400,000 annually amid a £23 million budget shortfall. Local residents and politicians rallied to save the pool, with Labour MP Andrew Pakes launching a petition that received thousands of signatures. The council later reversed its position and committed to keeping the Lido open.
Councillor Zameer Ali, cabinet member for communities, poverty and public health at Peterborough City Council, said: “It’s an exciting year of celebrations for one of our most iconic buildings, with a host of great events planned, and the covers will enable us to make it a much more efficient facility in the future.”
Andrew Pakes MP welcomed the announcement, adding that more than 37,000 people visited the facility last year, demonstrating strong public support for the city landmark. He said: “The Lido is one of the real jewels in our city’s crown – a place where families, friends and neighbours come together.”
Jane Callaghan, treasurer and membership secretary for the Friends of Peterborough Lido community group, said the investment signals a commitment to the pool’s future. She said: “The covers will make a huge difference to the viability of the lido because we all know it was in danger of being mothballed just over a year ago.”
The Lido is operated by Vivacity, an independent charity that manages leisure facilities on behalf of the council. The pool complex includes three heated outdoor pools, three sunbathing terraces, a large grassed play area, and a cafe. More details about the 90th anniversary celebrations and free taster sessions are expected to be announced soon.
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