Why Britain’s Lost Lidos Are Making a Comeback: 20 Labour MPs Want Water Firms to Fund Public Pools

London, United Kingdom, MMN Correspondent: Imagine a scorching summer day in Britain. The heat is relentless. You crave a cool escape, but the nearest public pool is miles away or closed for good. That’s the reality for millions today. But a growing movement of Labour MPs and policy experts is working to change that. Their plan? Revive the country’s lost lidos by getting water companies to foot the bill.

These outdoor swimming pools, known as lidos, were once everywhere. Built mostly in the 1930s, they were designed as equalizers. Factory workers, housewives, and children could all splash in the same clean water. They were symbols of public health and community joy. Now, with heatwaves becoming more intense, they’re being rediscovered as vital assets. The question is: can we bring them back?

In July 2026, a coalition of 20 Labour MPs, backed by the Fabian Society, launched a coordinated push. They want the upcoming water bill to include a requirement for water companies to promote and fund public access to safe outdoor swimming. This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about turning a former luxury into a universal right. The original vision of lido architecture was that every citizen deserves equal access to clean water and leisure. That vision is being revived.

Lidos first flourished in the early 20th century. With their art deco designs and scenic locations by the sea or in parks, they offered affordable summer relief. At their peak, over 300 dotted the British landscape. But by the end of the 1980s, nearly two-thirds had fallen into disrepair or been demolished. Rising maintenance costs, shifting priorities, and shrinking council budgets took their toll. Today, only about 100 remain open, down from over 100 in 1990. Many more face closure.

One standout success story is Peterborough’s lido. This art deco gem opened in 1936 and was on the brink of being mothballed due to budget cuts. Then MP Andrew Pakes stepped in. He became a regular swimmer after taking office in 2024 and led a grassroots campaign that mobilized local support, secured funding, and revitalized operations. The results were striking. On a single bank holiday Monday in 2025, 1,500 people swam there. That’s a testament to its enduring appeal and community value.

Pakes sees lidos as more than swimming spots. They are cultural landmarks and climate resilience tools. “These pools represent how we once prioritized public health and collective joy,” he said. “Now, with hotter summers becoming the norm, they’re more important than ever.” He also noted that the summer of 2025 saw a record breaking 542,998 visits to public outdoor swimming sites across the UK, up 30% from the previous year. Demand is surging.

Other MPs are following suit. In Worthing, Beccy Cooper and Tom Rutland are leading efforts to restore the Grade II listed seafront lido, a historic structure from the 1930s. In Stroud, Simon Opher is campaigning to reopen the 1937 built art deco lido, which closed in 2025 after the council deemed a £5 million refurbishment unaffordable. Meanwhile, Sam Rushworth in Bishop Auckland is advocating for the revival of Stanhope lido, while Jack Abbott in Ipswich is advancing plans for the long closed Broomhill lido, set to reopen in 2026 after securing £10 million in National Lottery funding.

The Fabian Society’s new report outlines a bold legislative framework. It would require water companies to promote and facilitate public access to safe outdoor swimming within their service areas. This could include funding new lidos, restoring derelict ones, or even developing natural swimming lakes. The argument is simple: water companies manage vast infrastructure and receive substantial public investment, so they should bear responsibility for supporting community wellness initiatives like lidos.

This proposal aligns with broader environmental and public health trends. As global temperatures rise, outdoor swimming is increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to air conditioned indoor facilities. It reduces energy consumption, encourages physical activity, and fosters community connection. Research also shows that access to green and blue spaces improves mental well being, especially in urban areas where such amenities are scarce.

The campaign draws inspiration from international models. In France, the government has invested heavily in public swimming lakes and riverside pools, integrating them into national climate adaptation strategies. In Germany, the concept of “baden” (swimming) is deeply embedded in culture, supported by public infrastructure and municipal oversight. The UK’s initiative could position the country as a leader in equitable access to nature based recreation.

Beyond symbolism, the economic argument is strong. A study by the Royal Town Planning Institute found that every pound invested in lido restoration generates up to £4 in local economic benefits through tourism, increased footfall, and job creation. Community run lidos often attract volunteers, foster civic pride, and strengthen neighborhood cohesion.

Cabinet Office minister Anna Turley has voiced her support, expressing interest in opening a lido in Redcar. This move underscores cross party backing for the cause. Even former Conservative cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt contributed to the conversation, having campaigned for years to renovate Hillsea lido in Portsmouth and famously appearing on the TV show Splash in a swimming costume to raise funds.

With climate change accelerating and public demand for accessible green space growing, the revival of lidos represents both a nostalgic return to mid 20th century ideals and a forward thinking response to modern challenges. The proposed legislation would not only preserve architectural heritage but also create resilient, inclusive, and healthy communities.

The future of Britain’s lidos hinges on political will, financial commitment, and public engagement. If successful, this campaign could redefine how public utilities serve citizens, not just with pipes and pumps, but with pools and pleasure. As summer heats up again, the message is clear: swimming shouldn’t be a privilege. It should be a right, for everyone, everywhere.