Work is set to restart on the latter phases of the Grange Lido project, with a planned finish around the end of the summer of this year.
The project was paused last year after it became clear that the concrete repairs required further assessment in order to complete the investment in this much-valued asset.
Additional repair works were identified following detailed inspections which has led to unforeseen delays to the project. After detailed assessment to finalise the necessary works required, the council and contractor RH Irving Construction are delighted to be able to get back on site now that the worst of the winter weather has passed.
Work is due to start at the beginning of April. Officers are exploring whether a phased or partial opening may be possible ahead of full completion, with further updates to follow
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “It has been frustrating for everybody interested in the future of the lido that the unexpected discovery of issues regarding the concrete repairs has delayed opening up this significant and unique asset to the public. We appreciate the continued patience and ongoing support of the community while these essential works progress.”
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said: "Working with a historic coastal structure of this nature is complex and it is important that we get this right, understanding that the lido project seeks to restore this important structure after more than 30 years of closure and several previous attempts to bring it back to life. So much has been done already and the site looks fantastic. I am delighted that the end is now in sight and can't wait for the lido to be open to the public after decades of it being lost to the community.”
The council and partners remain fully committed to delivering the scheme and securing a sustainable future for the site.
Work on the £6.8 million Grange Lido and Promenade restoration project began in April 2023, with the aim of reopening the Lido site with a temporary infill of the pool, creating a new multi-use public space from what had become a derelict and deteriorating Grade II-listed site.
The project protects the site’s significant social and cultural heritage in a way that does not preclude the future reopening of the pool. The temporary pool infill uses materials that are both removable and recyclable.
Janet Carter, chair of trustees of Save Grange Lido, the local group which is working and fundraising with a view to seeing the lido fully restored as an historic community lido, said: "Following a recent site visit, it was encouraging to see the work already undertaken to protect the site, and we welcome the extensive work being carried out by Westmorland and Furness Council at Grange Lido.
"Like many people, Save Grange Lido is keen to see further movement on site but recognises the scale of the work needed to protect and secure this much-loved local landmark.
"We look forward to continuing conversations with the council as we progress our phased plans to honour the Lido’s heritage and create an inclusive and accessible heritage experience for the community and its visitors. This will be followed by the reinstatement of swimming at the Lido for all to enjoy."
Completed works at the lido include an upgrade to the central and focal pavilion building, creating flexible and adaptable space suitable for future occupation and development by a partner. Additional works include the creation of an accessible entrance from the promenade and the insertion of a removable landscaped feature within the former pool area. The male and female changing accommodation has been stabilised, with works to the roof and terraces completed, along with security upgrades, cleaning, and external decoration.
Significant structural and architectural works have also been undertaken, including strategic concrete repairs to the diving board structure.
Work on the 1,900-metre-long promenade included the removal of unstable sections of the sea defence wall, application of a durable coating to the promenade’s upper surface, and a combination of precast and in-situ concrete repairs to the upper edge “bull nose” and sea-facing elevation of the sea wall.
A new playground area has also been installed.
Failure to repurpose the site and carry out essential structural repairs would have resulted in significantly higher costs in preserving the listed structure in the future.