New spaces for young people and the community are now officially open at Tinside Lido, paving the way for year-round use of one of Plymouth’s most iconic waterfront landmarks.
The lido, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, has been carefully restored and reimagined as part of the UK’s first National Marine Park, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Horizons Award, the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund and Levelling Up Fund and Plymouth City Council.
The project has transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations while creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.
It has brought the first floor of the lido back into use as a flexible, multi-purpose space for youth activities, digital learning, training and events, supported by a new kitchen and bar facility. The sun terrace has been revitalised with a café pod and a pop-up event space with ramped access to ensure everyone can enjoy the views across Plymouth Sound.
In addition, the smaller building that provides both pool and cove access, has been remodelled to provide a youth space with improved accessibility and changing facilities.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “People use the word iconic all the time but Tinside honestly is. It’s treasured not only by the people of Plymouth but visitors from far and wide – and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city, if not the country. But it’s not just a spectacular place to go for a swim and take in our amazing waterfront.
“This regeneration has brought a whole new life to the lido and is such an important project for the city. It’s not only protected a much-loved part of Plymouth’s heritage. It’s helped to secure its future, by creating new, inspirational spaces that the whole community – and visitors to the city – can enjoy for many years to come. Exciting times are ahead!”
Taryn Nixon, trustee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chair of England – London and South Committee, said: “Tinside Lido is a shining example of reinvesting in our heritage to create amazing new opportunities for people and for the city. The lido has been such an iconic part of Plymouth’s identity since 1935 and thanks to National Lottery players it has been given new life, in its 90th birthday year, for completely new audiences to connect with Plymouth’s rich ocean heritage. The Heritage Fund is very proud to have been able to support this ambitious project and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through our Heritage Horizon Awards.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched the Heritage Horizons Awards in 2019 to support ambitious, innovative and transformational projects that will revolutionise UK heritage. These awards help to transform lives and economies, put the UK at the lead of major environmental, cultural and heritage projects, and show confidence in the heritage sector to rebuild and thrive. As part of this, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park received £11.6 million to help create the UK’s first National Marine Park, revolutionising the way Plymouth interacts with its marine heritage.
Plymouth Active, which operates Tinside Lido in partnership with the Council, has also welcomed the project’s completion, noting its significance for the future of the lido and its commitment to giving every child in Plymouth the opportunity to learn to swim.
Rhys Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Active, said: “We’re delighted to see these new spaces at Tinside Lido open for the community. Tinside is a vital part of our mission to give every child in Plymouth the chance to learn to swim and develop a love for the water. The new facilities also open up opportunities for events and activities that will help sustain Tinside for future generations.”
The restoration also paves the way for new uses to support the lido’s long-term sustainability, with the potential to host silent discos, open-air cinema events and weddings, generating income that will help sustain free and low-cost youth activities beyond the five-year Heritage Horizons Award period.
Originally opened in 1935 and refurbished for the first time in 2005, Tinside’s careful preservation and transformation is a testament to the city’s commitment to adapting its historic assets for modern needs. The substantial repairs and improvements carried out as part of this project ensure that Tinside will continue to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront while supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.
To find out more about what’s on at Tinside and how to book the space for your event, visit www.tinsidelido.co.uk.