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A new carbon-neutral outdoor pool and luxurious gym will open in Leeds after crowdfunder to restore Otley Lido
Friends of Otley Lido have raised £53,000 to restore the former pool space into an eco-friendly pool, gym and restaurant with river terrace after being closed for 30 years.
The not-for-profit Lido will be restored with a heated pool and retractable roof, restaurant, river terrace and 'high end' gym.
Friends of Otley Lido have confirmed that they have raised £53,000, the finances necessary to start restoring the pool to its former glory.
The plans to rebuild the Otley Lido come after years of fundraising, but this was the organisers' final push to restore the lido.
After launching a crowdfunder to bring back the once popular Lido, the organisers have been inundated with donations made met their target, allowing plans to progress.
Plans for the new Otley Lido can now get underway after their crowdfunding success. / Image: Friends of Otley Lido
First site surveys will be conducted to plan out the restoration project. Once this has been completed, organisers can apply for grants to cover the rest of the costs.
The idea is that as Leeds City Council officially own the original site near Wharfemeadows Park, they will lease out the area for 125 years so that the pool can open as a not-for-profit.
The council have already agreed to the proposal and this will help to keep the pool affordable to visitors upon reopening.
The original Lido closed down in the 1990s after a pumping fault was never fixed and in the height of indoor pool popularity, the council diverted their funds accordingly.
The pool will look very different than this old postcard upon restoration. / Image: Friends of Otley Lido
The pool had been open since 1924 and will receive a full makeover for its reopening almost a century later.
Plans for the Lido are entirely sustainable too.
The carbon-neutral venue will have geothermal energy, solar panels and even the gym equipment will create power to heat up the 30-metre outdoor pool.
Organisers hope to make the restoration accessible for families, schools, elderly people, triathlon clubs and those with disabilities.
Both Sports England and Otley Town Council have offered to support with grants if their crowdfunding target was met so it is hoped that this will now swing into action, and we will get to see the new-and-improved Lido soon.
Licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to be able introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone - helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you're buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you've left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that 'it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]' and that physical ID will 'still remain a valid way' for customers to prove their age.
"This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out," she concluded.
Featured Image - Swam Tavern
Business
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Sophie Smith -
2nd November 2021 
