First approved in 1914, Hampton lido is now set for a major refurbishment to bring it into the 21st Century. The pool opened 98 years ago in 1922, having been delayed by the First World War and was last improved in 1961. The proposal, approved on November 18th 2020, is to extend the existing building and erect a new building on the western side of the site to facilitate the creation of a larger gym and two new studio rooms, as well as improved accessibility and facilities, including a new changing room ‘village’ and waiting area for swimming lessons. 

The two swimming pools would remain unchanged though the purpose of the development is to allow to the centre to increase its revenue to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pools, as well as increasing the sporting/leisure offer and improving the facilities. The pool has been successful in hosting concerts and providing excellent facilities for community events. The Council has commissioned an independent viability assessment of the scheme which demonstrates that the proposed development is fundamental to the on-going financial viability and sustainability of Hampton Pools.

The pool was saved in 1980 when Richmond Council chose to close the lido, the local community raised £60,000 and it was re-opened in 1985. The pool is owned by the Hampton Pool Trust and managed on their behalf by the YMCA St Pauls.  

The proposed development is considered to be of a high-quality design and its height, scale, massing and design of the application has been assessed concerning its impact on the Hampton Hill Conservation Area, Bushy Park Conservation Area, nearby listed buildings and BTMs and is acceptable. The consultation revealed the local community is in favour of the development with 204 of the 377 comments firmly in favour of the refurbishment.

The architects are WIMSHURST PELLERITI of Putney who also worked on the Station Yard development in Twickenham for Solum.

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