On 20 January 2025, Peterborough City Council delivered a welcome U‑turn: the beloved Peterborough Lido—an historic, Art Deco open‑air pool—will remain open this year after all. The decision came in response to an extraordinary groundswell of community support that the council simply couldn’t ignore.
From Budget Cut to Community Triumph
Facing a staggering £23 million budget shortfall for 2025/26, the council had initially proposed mothballing the Lido to save £400,000 annually. But the budget consultation ignited something powerful: a wave of public response—1,427 contributions, a more than 1,000 % increase over the previous year—that expressed unmistakable passion for the Lido’s preservation.
What’s Changing—and Staying the Same
Instead of closing, a new plan emerged:
- Operational costs will be drastically cut—from £400K down to approximately £120,000 a year
- The council will pursue grants, partnerships, and income-generating ideas, including working closely with the Friends of Peterborough Lido, who have contributed everything from research on health benefits to strategic fundraising support
- Planned cost-saving measures include installing pool covers, reviewing fees, boosting the catering offer, and adjusting water temperatures
Council Leader Cllr Dennis Jones emphasised that the council never intended to close the pool and underscored the importance of public input: “We have been listening… and we continue to listen.”
A Timeless Treasure—and a Community Catalyst
The Peterborough Lido isn’t just a pool—it’s an 88-year-old architectural gem, opened in 1936, and a rare survivor of its kind in the UK. Adorned in Art Deco and hacienda styles, the facility features heated pools, sunbathing lawns, and a classic refreshment terrace—all within a Grade II‑listed site.
Beyond aesthetics, it’s a vital public space that promotes wellbeing, community cohesion, health, and tourism—attributes passionately highlighted by the Friends group’s campaigning.
Next Steps & Civic Call to Action
- Spring 2025: The Lido is confirmed to reopen—with the aim of attracting sufficient usage and funding to move the facility toward break-even
- Residents are urged to use the Lido—“Use it or lose it,” as one local headline put it—so it can continue charming and serving the city for future generations
- The council and stakeholders, including Friends of the Lido and local organisations, are now collaborating on a more sustainable long‑term vision
Conclusion: Power of Place, Power of People
The Lido’s reprieve is a compelling case study in civic engagement: when communities rally, local authorities listen—especially when heritage, wellbeing, and identity are at stake. It demonstrates how cultural assets become anchors in the life of a city, and how adaptive governance—when guided by public sentiment—can preserve them.
So this summer, why not take a dip in a slice of Peterborough’s history? The water’s waiting—and this time, the choice to keep swimming was made by the city itself.