Lido improvement project

Future Lido – developing the shallow end

Aims and objectives

• A more welcoming entrance with improved security
• A more flexible café, accessible from the common as well as the pool
• More toilets and showers
• A club room for SLSC to use in the winter

To further enhance the pump-house redevelopment at the Lido, the SLSC is keen to share with you the plans for a separate project to improve the facilities at the shallow end. This project, once the approach has been agreed, will be scheduled at a future date after the pump house project has been completed.

Click here to read more about our plans and to see the boards that were on public display in the Woodfield Pavilion in February 2023

Tooting Bec Lido Renovation Project 2023

Wandsworth Council have invested £4M in the Tooting Bec Lido renovation project to replace the old pump house, which filters and cleans the pool’s water and to construct a new electrical sub-station to power the filtration pumps and the Lido’s modern new UV water purification system. Built in red brick the new pump house is the same size and footprint as the previous pump house. New pipework, filtration system, pool liner and improved landscaping around the water’s edge also formed parts of the scheme. The project will preserve the future of Tooting Bec Lido by advancing investment ahead of any expected replacement programme.

To further enhance the renovation project led and funded by Wandsworth Council, the SLSC Committee commissioned Rob Lowe, a renowned artist AKA supermundane and regular Lido swimmer, to design pool side and common facing murals on the new pump house. The tiled artwork celebrates the heritage of the site and his signature geometric style is a natural fit with the Lido’s Art Deco feel.  The external mural is 9 metres long and uses the colours from the nearby Pavilion’s glazed bricks. This mural is viewable from the common.  The internal murals complement the much loved colour schemes of the Lido cubicle doors. Rob Lowe kindly donated his design and the Club funded the production and installation of the murals.

Planning approved – 24 July 2020

We are pleased to announce that planning permission has been granted for the new electricity substation at Tooting Bec Lido. This is a vital step on the way to restoring the pump room and safeguarding the future of the Lido. We now need to apply for permission from the Secretary of State to build the substation as the Lido is on common land.

The Lido Heritage Project 2018

Aims and objectives

• Conservation of the historical records of Tooting Bec Lido and its users, with improved accessibility.
• Repair and conservation of poolside buildings and their interpretation.
• The western terrace and commemoration wall. In 2018 the raised bank to the west of the Lido was excavated to accommodate stepped decks, increasing the space available around the pool and providing a sheltered sunbathing space. Here, ceramic plaques honouring the memory of important figures in the Lido community have been placed. These will be added to in the future.

To complement the Lido Improvement Project, the Heritage Project will ensure that the Lido’s structures and landscaped areas are conserved to an equally high standard as the new Lido Pavilion, so that the history of the Lido’s development and the historical context within which the new facility will operate, are fully understood by Lido and Common users, and the wider local community.

The SLSC have developed the Lido heritage plan to guide the conservation and interpretation of the Lido’s heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.

Membership Survey 2017

As part of the Lido Improvement project the South London Swimming Club ran a member survey to hear directly from the community. Nearly 300 people shared what they love about Tooting Bec Lido and the Club and what could make it better. The responses were thought full, creative and full of passion. They helped shape our priorities, guide practical improvements, and continue to inspire many of the ideas and actions you’ll find on this page. An overview of the survey results were published in a freely available booklet, Future Lido – Tooting Bec Lido in the 21st century.

The Lido Pavilion project 2017

Aims and objectives

• Improve long-term sustainability of Tooting Bec Lido while promoting its seaside charm.
• Provide an indoor space for Lido users and enhance opportunities for events.
• Provide much needed facilities for Lido staff.
• Increase the potential for out-of-season and off-peak activity at the Lido.
• Increase capacity to maximise revenue in summer.
• Conservation of the historical records of Tooting Bec Lido and its users, with improved accessibility.
• Repair and conservation of poolside buildings and their interpretation.

The new Lido Pavilion opened in June 2018. It was built on the deep end of the site where the original entrance was sited.

The Lido Pavilion’s sports hall allows for better provision of a variety of sporting activities at the Lido for club members and the wider community. As well as being a venue for fitness and sports classes, it serves as a meeting hall for organisations based around Tooting Bec Common and as a headquarters for the South London Swimming Club, where it can hold events, meetings and activities. The building also includes much needed facilities for lifeguards and other site staff.

This will help ensure the future of Tooting Bec Lido, making it even more attractive, both for swimmers and the wider community, and will strengthen the South London Swimming Club’s position at the heart of Lido life.

For news on the progress of the project please visit news update page.

The Finnish Sauna at the Lido 2008

The log cabin sauna was donated to the Club by its makers, the Finnish company Honka for the World Winter Swimming Champions in 2008. Since then it has warmed up swimmers each winter.