Key Points:

• Valentines Park lido in Ilford, east London, set to reopen in April 2026.
• £4 million redevelopment project by Redbridge Council.
• Facilities to include a heated outdoor pool, splash park, spa, and café.
• Original lido opened in 1924 and closed nearly 30 years ago.
• Part of a broader regeneration of historic lidos across the UK.
• New complex aims to blend heritage with modern leisure trends.
• Project funded by Redbridge Council with local support.

A historic lido in east London is making a spectacular return with a £4 million redevelopment, offering modern facilities while reviving a beloved local landmark.

why is the Valentines Park lido reopening?

The Valentines Park lido in Ilford, east London, is set to reopen in April 2026 after a £4 million investment by Redbridge Council. The move aims to revitalise a once-popular community hub that had remained closed for nearly 30 years.

The redevelopment will bring new life to the site, which first opened in 1924. It follows a broader national trend of restoring historic lidos as demand for outdoor leisure spaces grows.

what facilities will the new Valentines Park lido have?

The restored complex promises a range of modern amenities, including:

• A heated outdoor swimming pool
• A splash park for children
• A spa facility for relaxation
• A café serving refreshments to visitors

The project will ensure the lido is a year-round destination, appealing to families, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking for leisure and wellness options.

what is the history behind Valentines Park lido?

The original Valentines Park lido opened in 1924 and quickly became a summer favourite. It was heavily influenced by early 20th-century German “volksparks” and the art deco movement of the 1930s, which saw a boom in lido construction across Britain.

However, by the 1990s, shifting leisure trends and financial challenges led to the closure or demolition of many lidos across the country, including Valentines Park. The closure marked the end of an era for generations who had cherished the open-air swimming tradition.

how is the new lido project being funded?

The £4 million project is funded by Redbridge Council. Council leaders have voiced strong support for preserving local heritage while providing much-needed modern leisure facilities.

The council said the new development would “blend historic charm with the needs of today’s community,” ensuring the lido remains sustainable for the future.

how will the Valentines Park lido benefit the local community?

The reopening is expected to bring a wide range of benefits:

• Health and wellness opportunities through swimming and spa use.
• Family-friendly recreation with the addition of a splash park.
• Job creation linked to the running of the complex.
• Increased local tourism by attracting visitors to Valentines Park and surrounding businesses.

It also reconnects the area with its cultural past, giving a modern twist to a treasured part of Ilford’s history.

when will the Valentines Park lido reopen?

The newly redeveloped Valentines Park lido is scheduled to open to the public in April 2026, offering east Londoners a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary leisure.

Excitement is already building among local residents and heritage groups, many of whom had long campaigned for the site’s revival.