Save Grange Lido Ltd has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £9,900 for an exciting heritage project, a series of open days at the Lido in Grange- over-Sands. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project will mean residents in South Lakeland will be able to view the historic bathing pool which has been closed for over 25 years.
The project aims to open up the Lido site on the promenade for a series of guided tours around the heritage facility which closed in 1993. The first will be held on the weekend of 17th and 18th August. This will be a rare occasion for members of the public to see inside the complex. It will enable visitors to see first-hand the historical
importance of the site. An exhibition will also be held exploring the pool’s history and inviting visitors to share their memories of swimming in the open air pool. Save Grange Lido will also be exhibiting their future plans to restore swimming at the site following South Lakeland District Council’s phase one development which will restore the grade II listed buildings at the site.
Grange Lido was built in 1932 to an art deco design. The facility is the only remaining seaside Lido in the north of England and features a unique 50 metre mushroom shaped pool.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will be used by Save Grange Lido to help build on the partnership with South Lakeland District Council, refine the business plan and ensure that both phases of the Lido’s restoration can dovetail smoothly.
Commenting on the award, Phil Bradby, SGL Chair said: “We’re delighted that we have received this support from the National Lottery. Every time I walk along the prom I see people peering through the holes in the fence trying to see inside so it is brilliant to be able to give them the chance to go in and show them our plans to restore the pool.”
Councillor Robin Ashcroft, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “South Lakeland District Council welcomes the open days at the lido. They will give people a rare opportunity to see inside the facility and are sure to be a great success.
“We are determined to secure the structure and restore the area to public use. We very much welcome SGL’s involvement along with other community groups. Our commitment is to ensure an outcome for the site that has the support of the community while limiting the financial exposure of the local council.”
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron welcomed the announcement.
“This is great news and is testament to the hard work of the Save Grange Lido team and the people of Grange who are desperate to see the Lido site back in use after decades of neglect.”
