Save Grange Lido have been awarded a matched funding grant of £6000 by the Architectural Heritage Fund to progress its plans for the to restore the swimming pool at Grange Lido. AHF is part funded by Historic England which is the official body responsible for the country’s historic buildings.
Jess Steele, North West Grants Officer for the AHF Said: “AHF supports communities to transform places by bringing historic buildings into use through community enterprise. Grange Lido is a very special asset and the project commands a great deal of support, not just locally but further afield. We are delighted to be able to support the group as they take the next steps towards restoration.”
Phil Bradby, Chair of the SGL said “We were not expecting a decision so quickly so it came as a really nice surprise just days before Christmas. As it is matched funding, it means that every £1 that people have kindly donated becomes £2.”
The grant brings SGL’s fundraising total to over £13,000 in 2 months. It also means that they qualify to apply for a Project Development Grant of up to £30,000.
Chris Baron from SGL said, “We are delighted to receive this grant which will enable us to reveal our exciting plans for the pool very soon. We must also thank everyone who has donated to us already or supported us by spending in our online shop.”
The group will spend the money on producing architect’s plans to return the derelict Lido to use with a 50m 6 lane pool, a 30m pool which they hope to be able to heat, a paddling and a play pool. Plans and costings will be ready for release early in the new year. SGL have consulted Wrightfield Pools who are experts in pool restoration and restored the hugely successful Lido Ponty in Wales. They have estimated the cost of the pool restoration and new plant at £1.2m and SGL have offered to raise this money.
Phil Bradby said, “The success of numerous lido projects across the country shows that is possible to raise the funds necessary to restore the swimming pool and that, with good business planning, it would be viable to run.”
Save Grange Lido’s aims came one step closer this week when South Lakeland District Council agreed to work along the group as they prepare a business plan and funding options for the project.
18,000 people signed petitions calling on South Lakeland District Council to include swimming when they restore the historic Lido on the promenade at Grange-over-sands.
Save Grange Lido plan to raise funds for the renovation of the grade ii listed pool without the need for council subsidy.
Save Grange Lido received a donation of £500 from the former Troutbeck Bridge Amateur Swimming Club who are keen to help the Lido project.
The Council’s proposals involve an investment of two million pounds to restore the Grade II listed buildings around the site and SGL want to add the pool into those plans. They have produced a business plan and are working to produce plans and costings to make the idea a reality.
