Greenwich's Charlton Lido gets £2m facelift

The Charlton Lido in Greenwich has been re-opened after receiving a £2 million facelift.

Members of the public can now take advantage of the two heated outdoor pools at the location, which was originally built in 1939. The structure retains its art deco-style and is now being run by Better, which is also in charge of leisure services and libraries in the borough.

Families seeking property to rent in Greenwich may be buoyed by the fact the service is now fully functional again after being closed for two years. It means they have somewhere to take their kids during their summer months for exercise and fun.

Plans are also in place to further redevelop the area and so by Easter 2013 it should offer health and fitness provisions and a cafe.

Some £1 million of the funding has been produced by Better, while the other £1 million has come from the borough, the Mayor of London and the London Marathon Trust. It forms part of a £4 million Olympic legacy project to transform Hornfair Park into a multi-sports hub park.

The Charlton Lido will be open seven days a week and there will be a series of events put on to encourage more people to take up swimming. A Get Safe 4 Summer safety awareness event was held in July 13th involving local schoolchildren.

It was ran by the Amateur Swimming Association - in partnership with the Swimathon Foundation and Swimming Trust - and aimed to educate young people about water safety awareness so they are prepared when they finally jump into the pool.

Greenwich Council has launched a range of programmes designed to help young people develop their skill set. Over 40 courses - on subjects as diverse as filmmaking and investment banking - are offered for those aged between ten and 19. Those with disabilities qualify up to the age of 25.

BBC TV apprentice Gabrielle Omar noted the schemes can provide a "life-changing experience in reinforcing confidence, motivation and talent".

Posted by Chris Price

Published 25th July, 2012

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