Work is underway on a multi-million-pound transformation of Albert Avenue Pools, including a full rebuild of its flagship lido.
The £10.5 million project will see the construction of a large new gym and fitness studio that will offer aerobic classes for the first time, refurbishment and redecoration of the building, replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems, alongside new heating, and ventilation systems.
The scheme also includes the construction of a new outdoor lido, replacing the original one which closed more than 30 years ago. This new heated lido specification will create an improved experience for users, as well as meeting international standards that will be able to accommodate top-level kayak polo and competitive swimming.
Cllr Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council said:
“It’s fantastic to see this project get underway – the final piece in our city-wide leisure investment puzzle. The jewel in the crown being the new lido which I already know will attract visitors from across the region.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this scheme progress and getting users back in there next year.”
The project is being delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, the council’s pre-procured framework, with work undertaken by local contractors Hobson and Porter.
Gavin Barley, General Manager of Hull Esteem said:
“Getting the green-light on such a multi-faceted project to transform Albert Avenue Pools is a huge deal for all parties involved and we’re delighted to be working with Hobson and Porter once again to improve an important leisure facility for the community.
“Forming part of Hull City Council’s £18.5 million investment into leisure facilities across the city, it will not only be a massive benefit to the local area once complete, but we’re sure it will become an attraction for those visiting our city.”
Now works are well underway, Esteem and Hobson and Porter, invited Council members along for a tour of the building.
Cllr Daren Hale added:
“It is fantastic to see this important project getting underway so quickly and it’s going to be a massive asset for the area.
“Facilities like lidos are often something people think are the preserve of the middle class, this area has 60% of homes that are technically classed as being within a deprivation category.
“People in west Hull will have a fantastic international standard facility on their doorstep once the project is completed, it will be a short walk or bus ride for so many families.
“I’m really excited to see the lido completed in the summer of 203 and I’m sure it’ll be an attraction for the whole of Hull.”
The new heated facility will bring back fond memories for many in the area, harking back to halcyon days of the Albert Avenue Pools when the lido was a popular attraction.
Swimmers can look forward to temperature controlled waters, grassy areas for picnics and revamped surfaces surrounding the lido.
The new facility is being built to international standards that will be able to continue to accommodate top-level kayak polo and now competitive swimming. Alongside the lido, the two indoor pools are getting a makeover too.
Richard Hunter, Managing Director for Hobson & Porter said: “We are excited to see works begin at Albert Avenue Pools after many months of hard work to design and develop the project.
“I was lucky enough to be involved in the last major refurbishment of the facility in the mid 90’s, although it did not reflect the scale of the project we are delivering now.
“In addition to the extensive refurbishment of the existing building, we are also constructing a sizeable extension and completely rebuilding the iconic lido; additions which are testament to the authority’s continued investment in the city’s leisure assets.
“We can’t wait to get started on this exciting multi-phase project.”
Hull Esteem has led the delivery of £400 million of new and improved education facilities across the city, along with culture and leisure regeneration projects, including Hull New Theatre, Ferens Art Gallery, and the most recent Beverley Road Baths which reopened to the public in August of last year.
It is expected the centre will reopen to the public in summer 2023.