Refurbished lido reopens under charity management

Beccles Lido, an outdoor swimming facility run by a charity in Suffolk, has reopened to visitors after a significant upgrade to its plant room. The pool had been closed since October while its filter tanks, in service since 1975, were replaced.

The refurbishment, costing 350,000, introduced a modern microfiltration system, which the management says will help lower operational expenses. Matt Day, 32, the lidos general manager, explained that the improvements will allow them to keep entry fees more affordable by using "less water, fewer chemicals, and reduced gas for heating."

The project received 280,000 from the governments Community Ownership Fund. Additionally, Garfield Western contributed 25,000, enabling the lido to select a more sustainable and advanced filtration solution. "We could invest in a higher-quality system that keeps the water cleaner and makes our operations greener," Day noted.

The new system was installed over a two-month period, during which the lido remained closed. Alongside the filtration upgrade, last year the facility added numerous solar panels and a heated all-weather canopy to provide comfort during colder months. The chemical control and chlorination systems were also modernized. "The new setup purifies the water far more efficiently than the old sand filters," Day said.

To enhance visitor experience, the lido plans to maintain water temperatures at 18C this winter, with occasional increases to 25C as a treat for swimmers after the reopening.

Author: Chloe Ramirez