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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‘Ugly, run-down’ and ‘untidy’ – Leeds named UK’s tenth best big city
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.
Georgina Pellant -
24th March 2022 
