Stroud District Council has published a third detailed update on progress to reopen Stratford Park Lido ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee next week.
The latest update, now available on the council’s dedicated Lido webpages, outlines the current position on repair works and the proposed timetable for reopening the much-loved 90-year-old facility.
Councillors will meet on Wednesday 3 June to consider the next steps for the project, including whether to approve additional funding needed to complete essential repair works.
Based on the latest contractor programme, all works are currently scheduled to be completed with the Lido reopening on 14 August 2026, with the possibility of an earlier opening date of 29 July should works progress smoothly.
These dates remain subject to:
- No additional works being identified beyond those already known
- Approval of additional funding by the Strategy and Resources Committee
To minimise delays, preliminary works are already underway on site ahead of the committee decision.
Council Leader Cllr Chloe Turner said: “We know how important the Lido is to our residents and how much people want to see it open again.
“This latest update provides a clear picture of the work required and the timeline we are working to. The extraordinary meeting gives councillors the opportunity to carefully consider the options and make a decision as quickly as possible.
“This approach ensures proper democratic oversight while giving the project the best possible chance of success.
“I am grateful to council officers, local councillors and volunteers from the community for doing everything they can to help achieve an opening for this summer.”
The committee has already allocated £200,000 from the revenue budget for repair and maintenance works. However, further investigations and detailed planning have identified that the total estimated cost required to reopen the Lido is £476,000.
The committee will therefore be asked to approve an additional allocation of £276,000 to support operation during the summer of 2026 and the 2027 season.
Cllr Turner added: “This will put us and the community in a good place to explore the future ownership and operation of the pool.”
The £476,000 revenue budget is separate from proposals to borrow £900,000 for future capital works and major improvements at the Lido.
Alongside construction preparations, work is also underway to ensure the facility can operate safely once reopened. A free National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course has been organised at Active Lifestyles Dursley from 13 to 18 July.
The course aims to: Support recruitment of lifeguards for the Lido reopening and provide additional casual staffing cover across all three council pools.
Members of the public will be welcome to observe the extraordinary committee meeting either in person at Ebley Mill or online via video link.
Further information, including the latest fortnightly update and committee report, is available on the council’s Lido webpages.
