Opening date confirmed for Newbury Lido
The historic pool at Northcroft has undergone a complete refurbishment
The transformation of Northcroft Lido, Newbury, is now complete and has an official opening date.
West Berkshire Council, in partnership with operator Everyone Active will open the Lido to the public at 2pm on Monday 21 August, to mark the occasion we will be offering this first session free.
The first visitors will be welcomed from 2pm for the first family swim session in the brand-new pool, splash pad and slides.
The iconic facility has undergone a complete transformation to provide an enhanced experience for visitors of all ages and to extend the outdoor swimming season from ten to twelve weeks per year to a period of six months, from April through to the end of September.
The pool has been reduced from 72m to a 50m Olympic length pool, making room for a new interactive splash pad and slides, plus a beautiful decking area where people can relax and colourful beach huts to give a seaside feel.
The spiral flume is nearly six metres high, with the racer slides around three metres high.
The pool has also been made shallower with a new depth of 0.9m-1.58m. The 0.9m depth runs for 20 metres and enables less confident swimmers to enjoy the Lido as well as providing opportunities for water based activities. The lower water volume also means that it requires less energy to heat the pool and is therefore better for the environment.
Existing buildings have been improved and accessible changing facilities are in place
The Lido was first built as an unheated pool in 1870, extended in 1914, and completely rebuilt in 1937, at which point it was believed to be the largest pool in the south of England.
Janine Lewis, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport & Countryside says:
“This is a wonderful transformation of a truly iconic facility that is embedded in the history of Newbury. The Northcroft Lido has been brought completely up to date but still retains the unique personality that local people love so much. Northcroft Lido is now a destination that will attract not only local people, but visitors from far and wide.”
Richard May, Contract Manager at Everyone Active , said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the community back to the new and improved Northcroft Lido. The completion of this significant refurbishment project has brought a fresh lease of life to this historic pool, making it better suited to meet the needs of today's society.
“It has been an incredible journey to witness the comprehensive transformation of the Lido and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this fabulous facility."
Those wishing to visit will need to create a free booking profile. This can be done by registering your details online, on the Everyone Active app or by calling Northcroft Leisure Centre (01635) 31199. For ease of entry, this would be best done in advance but can be done when you arrive on the day.
Visitor numbers are limited, and booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
Bookings can be made via the website