Restoration of historic Grange Lido to start in March

RH Irving Construction is set to begin work next month on the £7m revamp of the grade two-listed open-air pool and promenade in South Lakeland.

Grange Lido was built in 1932 and shut down in 1993 due to low usage and operational costs. Now, 30 years later, South Lakeland Council is looking to reopen the property.

However, the lido will not be a swimming pool at first, as the council is on the hunt for an operator. Instead, the mushroom-shaped pool area will have a temporary infill, transforming it into a multi-use public space.

South Lakeland is also looking to upgrade the central pavilion into a flexible and adaptable space and to create an accessible entrance for the promenade. Stabilisation works are also on the docket, including repairing the roof, concrete terraces, and diving board.

The 1,900-metre-long promenade will receive a new durable surface coating, as well as new furniture, signage, and a playground. Railings will be improved and unstable sections of the sea defence wall will be removed.

A sub-station will also be installed on land next to the Grange Lido entrance, which will provide electricity and fibre connectivity.

RH Irving is targeting an end-of-March start-date for construction work. The company estimates work will take 14 months to complete.

Westmorland and Furness Council has committed to taking on the project when it replaces South Lakeland Council as the local authority for the area.

“This is a highly-complex project, which has taken many years to develop,” said Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of South Lakeland Council and the future Westmorland and Furness Council.

“There have been many challenges along the way and so we are excited to begin the work to repair and reimagine this much-loved and iconic structure, while also rejuvenating the promenade,” he continued.

“Doing nothing was never an option, as failing to act, would leave future administrations liable for even greater costs. I am pleased that the new Westmorland and Furness Council will be taking this project forward.”

Mark Moodycliffe, managing director of RH Irving, said: “As a Cumbrian-based company we are delighted and proud to have been appointed as main contractor for this important, prestigious, and challenging project.

“We look forward to working in close partnership with the council, the local community and other stakeholders over the coming months and successfully delivering the works to the lido and promenade.”

Funding for the £7m project comes, in part, from South Lakeland District Council and the Coast Communities Fund.

South Lakeland’s portfolio holder for economy, culture, and leisure, Cllr Robin Ashcroft, described the benefits of the Grange Lido scheme.

“This work will go a long way in engendering an enhanced sense of place both for residents and visitors, but it will go far beyond being a local amenity or visitor attraction, to become a major asset to support our communities and economy in being an even more attractive location for future generations to live and work,” Ashcroft said.

“This significant and unique asset has been closed for 30 years and we are delighted to be able to make this major financial commitment to have it open to the public again.”