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
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‘Missing’ Morecambe and Wise episode to air on BBC this month to celebrate star’s 100th birthday
After being 'missing' for decades, a long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is set to air on the BBC this month.
In what is already gearing up to be a memorable moment, the episode - which was first broadcast on the BBC on 16 September 1968, and was thought to have been lost forever before being recovered - will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer in a couple of weeks time to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100 years old.
The episode was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! - which is a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts.
It was found in the estate of a former television industry professional, before being returned to the BBC.
Audiences tuning in to the episode can expect to see sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills - with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer.
📢 ‘Missing’ episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is coming to the BBC!
A long-lost episode first broadcast in 1968 will be shown on BBC Four and @BBCiPlayer on Thursday 14 May, to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100
It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
This 'lost' programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, has described the recovery of the episode as 'a lovely surprise', adding: "I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years."
Gary Morecambe, Eric's son, added: "I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful. Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12."
This long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will be broadcast on BBC Four at 8pm on on Thursday 14 May, and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from then.
Featured Image - BBC | Film is Fabulous!
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The world’s smallest pub is opening in Leeds’ biggest beer garden this weekend
Clementine Hall
A teeny tiny micro-pub is coming to Leeds city centre this bank holiday weekend.
This weekend, from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, Rita’s in Leeds will host the arrival of a travelling micro-pub dubbed the World’s Smallest, beating out World Record holders, in their huge beer garden.
Licor 43's Tiny Taberna features a 2.15m x 1.5m space that has been drawing crowds across the UK for doing something very simple, very well: shrinking the pub experience down to its absolute smallest form and pairing it with one of the country’s most talked-about viral drinks trends.
You won't be able to get your average pint here though, this adorable little bar will only serve Rita’s Mini Beer, commonly known as the Baby Beer.
Image: Supplied
The Baby Beer is a shot made with Licor 43 and topped with a creamy layer to mimic the look of a perfectly poured pint. And trust us, it's just as delicious as it is cute.
Made with Licor 43, mixed with a velvety layer of cream liqueur, the flavour is indulgent with notes of vanilla, caramel and creamy sweetness.
Image: Supplied
You may have seen these drinks online too, with videos of the Baby Beer going viral across social media racking up millions of views.
Styled as a Spanish-inspired bar, the Tiny Taberna invites you to gather with mates, step inside and enjoy a Baby Beer in this immersive and fun space. Obviously, you'll have to take some great pics for the gram too.
Rita’s beer garden, already known as one of the city’s largest, will not only play host to the pint-sized pub, but will also be serving their usual cocktail menu throughout the weekend.
Image: Supplied
The Tiny Taberna will be at Rita’s Leeds for two days only, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, serving Mini Beers from 7-9pm.
The best part? Those who purchase any beer this Bank Holiday weekend will be able to claim a free Mini Beer from the installation with a voucher. We'll see you there.
Georgina Pellant -
24th March 2022 
