Charlton Lido celebrates 10-year anniversary after London Olympics inspired reopening

A lido built in the 1930s but left to deteriorate has celebrated its 10-year reopening anniversary after the 2012 London Olympics inspired its regeneration.

Charlton Lido, in Hornfair Park, Greenwich, is the borough’s only 50-metre pool, and celebrated its 10th year since it reopened under charitable social enterprise GLL on Saturday.

Overcast, cool weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of more than 300 community stalwarts who attended, including middle life swimming advocate Nicola of The Lido Ladies, to enjoy a free programme of lilo racing, water polo, swim doctor masterclass and a spin class in the open air studio.

Participants were serenaded by a saxophone player and shared their stories of swimming at the lido over the decades, while tucking into a special birthday cake.

The lido has a special place in the hearts of local people – many of whom were saddened when the 1939 built pool fell into disrepair in the 2000s and was closed.

GLL reopened the lido in 2013 – following the London Olympics and Paralympics – to capitalise on the renewed public interest in the sport following Team GB’s remarkable success at the games. Since then, more than one million visits have been made.

GLL General Manager, Dean Martin, said: “We were delighted with our 10th anniversary day despite the dodgy weather.

“We are very much a community leisure provider, so it was pleasing to see so many of the local community come out to take part and have some end of summer fun.”

The heated outdoor pool remains open all winter, and has previously hosted seasonal events like Solstice Swims and Boxing Day Dips.

Pictured top: Attendees at the 10th anniversary of the reopening of Charlton Lido (Picture: GLL)