A huge outdoor swimming pool is due to open to the public in Yorkshire next summer, just over an hour away from Leeds.
After being shut for 25 years, the long-empty Albert Avenue Pools lido in Hull is set to be given a new lease of life ready for summer 2023.
A planned £4million upgrade to the site that houses the open-air swimming pool will see the addition of a new gym and fitness studio, as well as an update to the current building’s infrastructure.
A grassy picnic area is also planned for the site alongside the refurbished, elevated outdoor pool, which will be surrounded by sun loungers, umbrellas and tables.
Further CGis provided by the architects behind the project also show a dedicated child’s water play area with fountains shooting out from the ground.
The refurbishment follows that of another popular swimming pool in Hull, the recently-restored Edwardian Beverley Road Baths.
First opened in 1905, it was closed since June 2020 whilst work was underway. The pool then reopened in summer 2021 following a £3.75m overhaul that saw a new roof and refurbished windows installed at the Grade-II listed site.
Evidently, the council is putting a lot of money into restoring these public facilities – and, according to Councillor Daren Hale, the Leader of Hull City Council, this new project is the ‘final piece’ of the puzzle.
Speaking on the project Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this project get underway – the final piece in our city-wide leisure investment puzzle.
“The jewel in the crown being the new lido which I already know will attract visitors from across the region.
“Facilities like lidos are often something people think are the preserve of the middle class, this area has 60% of homes that are technically classed as being within a deprivation category.
“People in west Hull will have a fantastic international standard facility on their doorstep once the project is completed, it will be a short walk or bus ride for so many families.
“I’m really excited to see the lido completed in the summer of 203 and I’m sure it’ll be an attraction for the whole of Hull.”
General Manager, of Hull Esteem, Gavin Barley added: “Getting the green-light on such a multi-faceted project to transform Albert Avenue Pools is a huge deal for all parties involved and we’re delighted to be working with Hobson and Porter once again to improve an important leisure facility for the community.
“Forming part of Hull City Council’s £18.5 million investment into leisure facilities across the city, it will not only be a massive benefit to the local area once complete, but we’re sure it will become an attraction for those visiting our city.”
The Albert Avenue Pools is closed for refurbishment and will reopen in spring 2023 once work has been completed.
Feature image – Hodson Architects
