Staff reporter(wp/es):
An east London lido is set to close for months after major problems were discovered with the tiling.
London Fields Lido will be out of action from late November until spring 2017 so that Hackney Council can carry out emergency repairs.
Tiles began coming away from the side of the Olympic-sized pool earlier this year and industry experts have now confirmed that an entire tile and render replacement is required.
Labour Councillor John Burke, a Hackney Cabinet Member for Energy, Sustainability, & Community Services, said: “Although we are disappointed at being forced to close the Lido for urgent repairs, we have decided to take advantage of this unavoidable closure to refurbish the indoor changing rooms and reception area.
“This means swimmers will be able to enjoy better, more modern facilities when the Lido reopens next year.”
Pre-paid members, who will be able to continue swimming at no extra cost at other nearby pools, have expressed dismay at losing the amenity for at least four months.
Hackney resident Ben Alden-Falconer, who swims in the lido at least twice a week, told the Standard: "Where else can you swim in crystal clear water under the sun, stars or rain, all year round?
"The fact that it is 50 metres and heated - I still go when it snows - makes it pretty unique.
"Other local pools are just not the same experience. Hopefully the works will not take longer than the projected four months," added the Cambridge University graduate.
An exact date for the closure has not yet been set but it is likely to be towards the end of November.
London Fields Lido is popular year-round with Hackney residents, offering swimming lessons, fitness sessions and lane swimming as well as a café, sundeck and sunbathing area.
It is another blow for London’s outdoor swimming community, with the King’s Cross pond due to shut next week despite a petition signed by thousands calling for it to remain.
An east London lido is set to close for months after major problems were discovered with the tiling.
London Fields Lido will be out of action from late November until spring 2017 so that Hackney Council can carry out emergency repairs.
Tiles began coming away from the side of the Olympic-sized pool earlier this year and industry experts have now confirmed that an entire tile and render replacement is required.
Labour Councillor John Burke, a Hackney Cabinet Member for Energy, Sustainability, & Community Services, said: “Although we are disappointed at being forced to close the Lido for urgent repairs, we have decided to take advantage of this unavoidable closure to refurbish the indoor changing rooms and reception area.
“This means swimmers will be able to enjoy better, more modern facilities when the Lido reopens next year.”
Pre-paid members, who will be able to continue swimming at no extra cost at other nearby pools, have expressed dismay at losing the amenity for at least four months.
Hackney resident Ben Alden-Falconer, who swims in the lido at least twice a week, told the Standard: "Where else can you swim in crystal clear water under the sun, stars or rain, all year round?
"The fact that it is 50 metres and heated - I still go when it snows - makes it pretty unique.
"Other local pools are just not the same experience. Hopefully the works will not take longer than the projected four months," added the Cambridge University graduate.
An exact date for the closure has not yet been set but it is likely to be towards the end of November.
London Fields Lido is popular year-round with Hackney residents, offering swimming lessons, fitness sessions and lane swimming as well as a café, sundeck and sunbathing area.
It is another blow for London’s outdoor swimming community, with the King’s Cross pond due to shut next week despite a petition signed by thousands calling for it to remain.
