The outdoor pool originally opened its doors back in 1935 by Portsmouth City Council but its condition significantly deteriorated over the years, making it unsafe to use.
Following multiple consultations, a multi-million pound project was launched last year to completely restore the pool to its former glory. The pool, which will open in the summer, will feature new changing rooms, new benches and tables, artwork, a fountain and, most importantly, a fully functioning outdoor swimming pool.
In the most recent updates, the pool has been completely concreted and the contractors are currently pumping water out of the pool that collected in there over Christmas.
Bright shower unit cabins have now been installed at the lido. They need to be plumbed in and have gas and electrical connections completed.
The plant room floor has been concreted, and work will start to reinforce the walls. Three filtration tanks will be installed in the plant room in due course.

1. Hilsea Lido - February 2025
Soon a tent will be put up over the pool to protect it from the elements. The ground needs to be stable enough to take the weight. | PCC

2. Hilsea Lido - February 2025
This is a rubble pile the team are using to prepare the ground around the pool ready to be surfaced. | PCC

3. Hilsea Lido - February 2025
The filtration tank is pumping water out of the ground and back into the drain, so the heavy equipment doesn’t sink. | PCC

4. Hilsea Lido - February 2025
The team are finalising the shutter designs before concreting the walls of the plant room. | PCC