Campaigners supporting plans to reopen Grange Lido have reacted to news that it is unlikely the seafront venue will be open this summer.
Westmorland and Furness Council announced on Friday that the £6.8 million revamp had hit a snag with concrete repairs requiring further assessments.
Work began on the project in April 2023 and it was due to open this summer.
Volunteers with community benefit society Save Grange Lido have been raising money and working to raise awareness of the venue since 2019.
Janet Carter, chair of the Save Grange Lido trustees, said: “‘We had a positive meeting with Westmorland and Furness Council last week and knew there would be a press release.
“Whilst the delay is very much a setback for us, we know it is a complex project.
“Rest assured, we are committed to working with Westmorland and Furness to further our plans, which include eventually bringing the pool back to life for all to enjoy.”
One of only four remaining listed coastal lidos in England, the lido was built in 1932 and remained open for 61 years until its closure in 1993, due to low usage and rising operational and repair costs. It remains the earliest and most complete example of a 20th century listed seawater lido in England.
Refurbishment work at the lido has already resulted in the development of the central and focal pavilion buildings along with the creation of an accessible entrance from the promenade and the insertion of a removable landscaped feature within the former pool area.
The male and female changing accommodation has been stabilised, with work to the roof and terraces completed, along with security upgrades, cleaning, and external decoration.
Significant structural and architectural work has also been undertaken, including strategic concrete repairs to the diving board structure.
Janet added: “We are delighted that Westmorland and Furness are continuing to sort out any issues on site in order to get it safely open to the public.
“The last thing we want is to take on a site that will be problematic from the outset.”
