The historic Parliament Hill Lido could get a huge makeover with a new gym, toilets and changing rooms.
Plans have been unveiled to revamp the 80-year-old outdoor swimming spot in Hampstead Heath.
The lido first opened in 1930 and is a Grade II-listed building run by the City of London Corporation. The authority has revealed a plan to makeover the facility in a bid to boost local fitness and income.
The lido near Gospel Oak station currently features an unheated 60-metre open-air swimming pool, open 365 days a year, a small cafe and sauna. A small gym is also licensed to run at the facility.
A report by the corporation’s assistant director for natural environment Stefania Horne said the lido is getting old and needs investment.
The report sets out a new plan for the site with a 200 square-metre gym with 40 stations, new staff offices, a shop, new toilets and improved changing rooms. The cafe may also be extended but it is currently rented to a private operator.
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The revamp was drawn up after the corporation carried out “a supply and demand analysis”, according to the report. It adds: “The Parliament Hill Lido has underutilised space which could be utilised to support the swimming offer and provide additional health and fitness opportunities.
“It is important that the blueprint retains the main function of the
Lido, as a cold-water swimming venue… To support income generation, it is proposed to consider and create opportunities for health, well-being and fitness which complement the cold-water swimming offer.
“A blueprint for the lido will aim to ensure the facilities continue to serve the needs of users and the local community and increase the value of the lido for health and fitness.”
The City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath, is also investing £700,000 in Highgate Men’s, Hampstead Mixed and Kenwood Ladies ponds in a bid to make them more disabled-friendly and welcoming to swimmers.
The City of London’s Hampstead Heath Committee will give feedback on the Parliament Hill Lido plans on Monday, September 26
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