Grange-over-Sands Lido
By Deborah, People’s Pool Founder
Where: Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
The pool: 50m, scallop-shaped, dormant
Grange is one of our once-and-future lidos, and one of the most beautiful. Though it’s been closed and boarded up since 1993, I’ve been lucky enough to visit site a few times, and the distinctively-shaped pool, filled with shimmering rainwater, still casts a spell. Its setting, on the edge of Morecambe Bay with a panoramic view of the Lakeland Fells beyond, is breathtaking.
The Lido, which dates from 1932, is the centrepiece of Grange’s long, sweeping prom. Its design was advanced for its time, with a distinctive scallop-shaped pool and futuristic diving stage.
All the buildings around the pool - a grand central pavilion and wings with changing rooms and sun terraces - are still intact, and it’s very easy to imagine this sleeping beauty springing back into life.
Enter Save Grange Lido – a passionate and highly skilled group of volunteers who since 2009 have led the charge to revive the pool. Their unstinting faith and hard work has built a huge community of support, and in 2018 18,000 people signed a petition calling for the Lido’s rebirth.
SGL have raised funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a Friends scheme to develop plans for the future of the Lido. As well as restoration of the iconic 50m pool and paddling pool, these include a smaller heated pool, a new café, fitness facilities, shop and community space.
SGL are working closely with owners South Lakeland District Council to make this exciting vision a reality. So watch this space – and show them some lido love.
