Heritage Lottery secures the future of Sandford Parks Lido
27 June 2006
Lottery splash for historic Cheltenham Lido
One of the South West’s most important lidos has had a massive cash
injection from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to secure its future for
the benefit of thousands of people in Cheltenham and beyond.
Opened in 1935, Sandford Parks Lido is now in need of major repair, and
thanks to a £382,500 grant from HLF it will soon be restored to its
former glory, improving a much loved community facility and ensuring its
survival for future generations.
The Lido, which is still powered by its original 1930’s generator, has
retained nearly all of its historic features and is one of the most
complete examples of its kind in England. The lottery money will enable
the full refurbishment of the pool and surrounding sun decks, as well as
funding a host of activities encouraging people to explore the heritage
of the site and history of public bathing.
There will be a recreation of the Lido’s 1935 opening day, tours of the
site, a permanent exhibition and an interactive multimedia archive that
will bring its past to life through video, old newspaper reports, the
original plans and photographic footage. Visitors will be able to record
their thoughts onto the archive, and a wide range of volunteers will be
taken on during and after the restoration to get as many local people
and schools involved as possible.
Nerys Watts, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager in the South West comments;
‘Historic outdoor pools are like gold dust and Sandford Parks Lido is a
real gem. Whether you’re cooling off in the summer sun, taking the kids
for their first swimming lessons or just enjoying the history of the
site, the restored Lido will benefit everyone in and around Cheltenham.’
Julie Sargent of Sandford Lido Ltd. adds; ‘Our Charity and Community
have worked tirelessly to raise sufficient funds to try and complete
this refurbishment project. We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery
Fund has given us their support and provided this magnificent
opportunity to protect our unique venue.
‘Sandford Parks Lido is an important facility in Cheltenham and the
announcement of this grant will have an impact on many lives and
organisations in Cheltenham and our surrounding area. Our history has
been eventful, but our future is now bright.’
Martin Horwood MP added: 'This is great news for Cheltenham. Sandford
Parks Lido is a wonderful community asset that will now be improved and
saved for future generations, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund's
support. I have no doubt that the restored Lido will be extremely
popular with local people and visitors alike.'
Sandford Parks Lido contributes significantly to Cheltenham’s central
conservation area and is nationally important. Adjoining Sandford Park,
which was completed in 1928, the picturesque Arcadian buildings and
Neo-classical landscape offer an exotic escape from city life and this
heritage lottery cash will ensure that people are able to enjoy the Lido
for decades to come.
Further Information
More information about the Main Pool Refurbishment Project is on our
Project Minisite
We have information about out our history and future on our
Heritage Minisite - both of these will
be updated soon with new information about our future.
To contact Julie Sargent, Chief Executive please email swim@sandfordparkslido.org.uk.
For further information regarding the Heritage Lottery Fund, please contact Alex Gaskell at the HLF press office on 020 7591 6047, or email agaskell@hlf.org.uk or visit www.hlf.org.uk