Hilsea Lido celebrates its 90th anniversary on 24th July as the beloved Portsmouth swimming facility undergoes comprehensive renovation works with government funding secured.
Since opening its doors nine decades ago, Hilsea Lido has served as far more than a simple swimming pool. It’s become a repository of cherished memories, from scorching summer days and bracing winter dips to the distinctive aroma of chips mingling with chlorine.
The facility has proved remarkably versatile throughout its history, hosting dancers, Olympic swimmers, aquatic galas, roller skaters, hockey matches, competitive swimming events, bodybuilding competitions, and even a water circus.
The Early Years – 1935
Historical photographs from April 1935 reveal Hilsea Lido in its infancy – a massive concrete shell beginning to take form. The original pool boasted an impressive maximum depth of 4.6 metres.
Recent renovation work has addressed longstanding structural issues. The pool’s base suffered from groundwater infiltration due to water table pressure, which caused the foundation to lift and crack. Engineers have now added substantial concrete reinforcement to anchor the base securely.
The renovated pool maintains a generous 2.6-metre maximum depth. Construction teams have installed 80 tonnes of steel reinforcement and poured 30 lorry loads of concrete to prevent future groundwater problems.
Wartime Service – 1940s
During the Second World War, Hilsea Lido played a crucial role in military preparations. From 1943, over 10,000 American servicemen were stationed at Hilsea as part of the D-Day invasion force.
Throughout their deployment at Hilsea barracks, civilian access to the main pool was suspended, with different military units allocated specific swimming times.
Post-War Attractions – 1950s
The lido briefly featured a miniature railway after the war’s end. The train service ran from the main pool area to the moat’s end near London Road but was discontinued in 1951 due to economic unviability.
Infrastructure Changes – 1960s
Originally, Hilsea Lido drew seawater directly from Ports Creek. However, major infrastructure developments in the 1960s fundamentally altered the surrounding landscape. The widening of London Road, expansion of Portsbridge Roundabout, and motorway construction necessitated filling in much of the surrounding waterways.
With the natural creek flow severed, the lido could no longer depend on seawater and switched to mains water supply.
The Diving Board Era Ends – 1970s
Local residents recall the lido’s intimidating diving boards with mixed emotions. Former staff members report that most visitors would climb to the top board, peer down nervously, then retreat without diving.
Only the bravest swimmers, including former lifeguards (historically known as “pull attendants”), regularly used the highest platform. The diving boards were removed during the 1970s, with their foundations discovered during recent renovation work.
Community Campaign – 1980s
In 1988, Hilsea Lido faced its greatest existential threat when proposals emerged to transform the site into a commercial development featuring cinemas, hotels, nightclubs, ice rinks, and bowling alleys.
Local resident Chris Davis spearheaded resistance efforts as chairman of the Hilsea Environment and Lido Preservation Group (HELP), launching the “Hands Off the Lido” campaign. His grassroots mobilisation included leaflets, public meetings, and demonstrations.
The campaign achieved remarkable success, with over 500 people participating in June protests and more than 700 objection letters submitted to the council – a record response for any single issue. Davis’s efforts successfully defeated the redevelopment plans, preserving the lido as “a park, an open space, and a family-friendly facility.”
Family Focus – 1990s
The 1990s brought a quieter period for Hilsea Lido, though it remained a treasured local landmark despite ongoing maintenance and funding challenges. The decade’s most significant addition was a children’s play area, reinforcing the site’s family-oriented appeal.
Crisis and Revival – 2000s
The new millennium brought uncertainty as the lido deteriorated significantly. Refurbishment plans were abandoned in 2006, leading to closure in 2008.
However, this setback sparked community-led revival efforts. In 2009, Hilsea Lido Pool for the People (HLPP) secured a management lease, marking a pivotal moment as local residents assumed responsibility for the facility’s future.
Community Dedication – 2010s
The Hilsea Lido Pool for the People Trust worked tirelessly throughout the 2010s to maintain operations. They received notable support from then-local MP Penny Mordaunt, who appeared on the television programme “Splash” and donated her appearance fee to the lido.
Despite determined efforts and some funding success, the pool closed during the pandemic and struggled to reopen. The trustees and volunteers deserve recognition for their foresight in recognising the lido’s unique value and their passionate commitment to its preservation.
New Chapter – 2020s
Lidos are experiencing renewed popularity across the country, with facilities nationwide undergoing refurbishment and restoration. With government funding now secured, Hilsea Lido is receiving comprehensive renovation.
The facility will soon reopen as a vibrant community hub, ready to create new memories for the next 90 years.
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Special acknowledgement goes to Jane Smith, author of “The Book of Hilsea: Gateway to Portsmouth,” whose research provided invaluable historical documentation. Her book, featuring many historic photographs, is available through Amazon or Portsmouth libraries.
