Stroud District Council is urgently calling on the community to help save Stratford Park Lido, the district’s iconic 89-year-old outdoor pool, after independent assessments revealed it needs £5 million of essential repairs before it can reopen.
The much-loved outdoor pool, built in 1937, has been a cherished part of the district’s heritage for generations. However, detailed surveys have shown that the ageing infrastructure now needs around £5 million of essential work to bring the site back into operation.
Because of the scale and complexity of the repairs – and the interconnected nature of the Lido’s systems – the work must be completed as a single programme rather than in stages. This means the Lido will be unable to open for the upcoming summer season.
Councillor Martin Brown, Chair of the Council’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said councillors remain determined to give the facility every chance of a sustainable future.
“Stratford Park Lido is an iconic and much-loved place in our district’s history, and we are determined to give it every chance of a sustainable future,” he said.
“We would gladly borrow the £5 million needed if it were financially viable, because we understand what this pool means to so many people. But the reality is that not enough people use the Lido each summer to repay a loan of that size, and the Council would have to stop funding other essential services to cover the costs.
“That’s why we are asking our community, charities and partners to work with us. We remain hopeful that together we can find a solution that protects this wonderful site for future generations.”
The council has approached Friends of Stratford Park Lido to help explore the next steps, including potential fundraising campaigns and partnership opportunities.
Over the coming weeks, councillors will consider options for the future of the facility, including how residents, swimmers and supporters could help lead fundraising efforts to secure the Lido’s long-term future.
If no solution is found, the council has confirmed the site will be protected from further deterioration until the new Unitary Authority decides on the next steps.
Residents and supporters who would like to help or find out more can visit: www.stroud.gov.uk/lido.
