Brockwell Lido

Brockwell Lido is a large outdoor swimming pool in Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, south London. Designed in the Moderne style by Harry Rowbotham and T. L. Smithson, it opened in July 1937 to replace an older bathing pond. The pool is almost identical in design to the Victoria Park Lido in Hackney. A café overlooks the pool, offering a view of the water while visitors relax. The site includes a gym, spa and fitness studios, built during a major redevelopment completed in October 2007. The lido has a history of community campaigns and local pride. It closed in 1990 but reopened in 1994 after two former council employees won the contract. In 2003 it was listed Grade II on the National Heritage List for England. A £2.5 million redevelopment, partly funded by a £500,000 Heritage Lottery grant, added new facilities. The Brockwell Icicles winter swimming group and the Brockwell Swimmers club have promoted year-round use. Visitors find a long rectangular pool surrounded by green parkland. The Lido Cafe provides refreshments with a clear view of the water. The site hosts swimming clubs and winter swimming groups. The lido has appeared in TV episodes and music videos, adding to its cultural presence. Lambeth Council now manages the site, aiming to keep it open and accessible for the community.