Following millions of pounds and more than a two years of hard work, Hilsea Lido is preparing to open this weekend.
If you live in the city, it’s very likely you will have noticed a considerable amount of work taking place at the lido site in London Road.
NOW READ: Swimmers take plunge at Hilsea Lido for first time in four years after huge £7.75m renovation
After opening in 1935, the outdoor pool became a key part of the city for almost 90 years - but over the decades, the pool became old and in a state of disrepair.
Work started in 2024 and after four years of being closed to members of the public, the lido will officially open once more on Saturday, May 2, with the first swim session starting at 7am.
Dive into our gallery consisting of 167 progress pictures documenting the project from start to finish:
17. Hilsea Lido
These little beach huts are going to be the changing rooms at the lido and will have pitched roofs and a lockable door. The huts will stretch the length of the old lido building and there will be 16 induvial huts and four family ones. | PCC
18. Hilsea Lido 2026
On Monday, March 23, 2026, Portsmouth City Council marked the completion of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hilsea Lido by officially handing the site over to its new operators. Pictured is: (l-r) Gareth Walters, senior site manager for Beard Construction, Judit Kollat, General Manager Hilsea Lido, Harry Smith, Director, Sea Lanes, Duncan Anderson, CEO South Downs Leisure, Penny Mordaunt, Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council and cllr. Lee Hunt. Picture: Sarah Standing (230326-7470) | Sarah Standing
19. Hilsea Lido 2026
On Monday, March 23, 2026, Portsmouth City Council marked the completion of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hilsea Lido by officially handing the site over to its new operators. Pictured is: (l-r) Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes. and Duncan Anderson, South Downs Leisure chief executive. Picture: Sarah Standing (230326-7492) | Sarah Standing
20. Hilsea Lido March 2026
The outdoor shower bases have been painted blue - same as the pool. A plumber is currently installing the actual showers. There will be four in total. | PCC