Stunning new lido planned for London – that looks like it belongs in a flashy hotel

THIS incredible outdoor pool wouldn’t look out of place at a five-star hotel – but it’s planned for a London park.

Should it get approval, the lido would add to the already extensive collection available in the capital, where there are plenty of spots to pursue outdoor swimming.

suggest the pool, which would be in Valentines Park, Ilford, would have six lanes and be 25 metres long, with plenty of external outdoor space for sunbathing and relaxing.

Locals are already excited about the plans, saying they hope it turns out exactly as it looks in the proposals.

A released by Redbridge council, along with still images, shows the designs for the fancy-looking lido, which would come with changing facilities, and a “deco-style” fountain and layered lawns.

The plans also include a children’s splash pad, a cafe, gym, dance and exercise studios, a recreation/picnic area and car parking.

The council say they would like to have the pool completed next summer and that it would replace a lido that existed in the park from 1923-1995.

The designs for the new pool have been inspired by the original pool.

In their proposals, Redbridge Council said: “We are proposing to build a new lido in Valentines park which will provide families and local people with a new leisure facility to enjoy in the heart of the borough. 

“The plan is for the new lido to be built close to the original in the beautiful historic Valentine’s park. 

“Once open, the lido will generate income to cover its costs.”

Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council said: “The new lido will provide 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.”

The plans seem to have gone down well with locals, with one commenting on the proposal video: “Excellent… hope it turns out to be exactly the same as planned.”

Others took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their enthusiasm for the pool.

One wrote: “A great swimmer needs to have a pool that is fun to learn to swim in.

“Lidos provide the joy of outdoor swimming for all, especially for those who cannot afford to holiday by the sea. The jobs they create are good too.”

A third added: “This is a great initiative.

“The previous Lido in Valentines park was closed over 30 years ago. Good to see that there are serious moves to have a new Lido in the park.”

Meanwhile, this outdoor UK pool has views that are “like the Caribbean“.

And this new lido opened on the beach earlier this year.