Tooting Bec lido to close for nine months to complete £3m regeneration

The UK’s largest open-air freshwater pool is set to close next month while a £3m renovation takes place.

Tooting Bec lido will close on Sunday, November 20 for nine months while the work is in progress.

The 90-metre-long lido, which dates back to 1906, is regularly described as the “jewel in the crown” of Wandsworth’s sports, leisure and fitness facilities.

Wandsworth Council hopes that the regeneration work will preserve the lido for the next 50 years.

Thousands of people use the site year-round, with more than 265,000 visits made this summer.

This investment will fund the replacement of the existing pumphouse, which controls the pool’s water supply and the construction of a new electrical substation to power the pumps and also the lido’s modern new UV water purification system.

New pipework and filtration system, new pool liner and improved landscaping around the water’s edge also form parts of the scheme.

Cabinet member for Environment, Cllr Judi Gasser said: “This is a landmark project that should safeguard the lido’s future for decades to come.”

“People describe Tooting Bec Lido as the jewel in the crown of London’s open air swimming pools and they are quite right.

“It is a much-loved and hugely important local amenity; this summer, there were over 265,000 visits to the Lido.”

The South London Swimming Club, which is based at the pool has contributed £100,000 towards the refurbishment.