About the project

“The UK is home to an amazing collection of lidos. Many had fallen into disrepair, but a renewed love of these special places and the blissful joy of swimming outdoors has created a lido renaissance right across the country.  At the Heritage Fund we are delighted we have supported that renaissance by providing more than £13 million towards restoring and celebrating lidos such Saltdean Lido in Brighton and Cleveland Pools in Bath. Lidos are true public and community spaces, providing health, wellbeing and happiness to those who use them.  Our support to the Future Lidos Group for their ‘Pooling Resources’ project will help others build capacity and understanding of lidos so that these can be enjoyed by communities for years to come.”

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

“This investment underlines the importance of our living lido heritage as a uniquely joyous route to community health, well-being, inclusion and social mobility. We are deeply grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery Players for this opportunity.”

Deborah Aydon, People’s Pool founder and Pooling Resources Project Director

“This group first came together during Covid to create a space to collaborate and share experiences, research and best practice.  It was apparent from the start and as the group grew quickly to almost 40 schemes that the energy and talent existed across the country to make the much heralded lido revolution a reality.  This award will help towards reinstating the inclusive, fun lido facilities that a diverse range of people in communities across the country evidently want, so they can get out and be active.  Whatever the weather!”

FLG originator Michael Wood, Assistant Professor at Northumbria University and Tynemouth Pool campaigner