A long-lost east London lido is making a spectacular comeback, with a brand-new £4 million leisure complex set to open in April 2026. The redevelopment will transform part of Valentines Park in Ilford, marking the return of a beloved local spot that closed nearly 30 years ago.

The original Valentines Park lido, first opened in 1924, was a favourite summer retreat for families, offering a space to swim, sunbathe, and relax. Inspired by early 20th-century German "volksparks" and the art deco boom of the 1930s, lidos like this once dotted the UK, but changing habits and financial constraints led to a sharp decline. By the 1990s, many, including this one, had been closed or demolished.

Now, thanks to investment from Redbridge Council, the area will once again feature a modern outdoor swimming and wellness facility.

Plans include a 25-metre heated pool, a dedicated splash park for children, and an indulgent spa area equipped with treatment rooms, a plunge pool, and a steam room.

Beyond swimming and relaxation, the new complex will also cater to fitness lovers, with a gym, exercise studio, and a dance hall included in the design. A café and picnic area will provide space for families and sunseekers to unwind.

The heated pool will use sustainable energy, aligning with modern environmental goals while delivering a year-round experience. This makes the site one of the most ambitious and eco-friendly outdoor leisure projects to be built in the capital in recent decades.

Mark Baigent, corporate director of regeneration and culture at Redbridge Council, said:

A stunning £4m lido with a heated pool, splash park, and spa will open in the UK in 2026.

"We're delighted we can now move forward with plans to deliver the first new lido in London for decades." 

He added: "It is where families enjoyed idyllic summer days right on their doorsteps... it is so exciting that after nearly 30 years, a brand new lido and more will be introduced in the park for people to visit and create new special memories."

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said the borough is "delighted to be bringing back the year-round facility," describing the lido as "a sustainable, fun, and social place for people to exercise in the great outdoors, while boosting our local economy and restoring the heritage of Valentines Park."

This redevelopment reflects a wider national revival of interest in open-air swimming, with many historic lidos across the UK being restored in recent years.

With the opening set for spring 2026, the new Valentines Park lido is poised to become a landmark for outdoor leisure in the capital once again.