Pontypridd Lido given new lease of life thanks to EU boost

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s £6.3m plans to redevelop the iconic feature in Ynysangharad Park will benefit from £3m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Over £2m will also come from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help get the project underway, with the Council investing £900,000, alongside Cadw investment.

The aim is to restore the Lido to create an exciting visitor attraction with three pools, a café, exhibition/visitor centre, and a state-of-the-art dry adventure play facility.

As part of the scheme, the existing derelict buildings will be renovated and the Lido bathing area remodelled into three heated pools, a main pool, an activities pool, and an attractive semi circular paddling pool for small children.

The restoration will include new features such as external covered showers, heated changing facilities and a learning and historical interpretation centre, permanently depicting the history of the Lido and the wider park. 

Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies, said:

"I am delighted that we have been able to invest EU funds to help restore this unique landmark which will create employment and social opportunities for the local community and attract visitors to Pontypridd and beyond, bringing further economic benefits to the region."

A designated learning space will be designed to be used by a variety of school and community groups, as well as being available for meetings and training activities by local organisations.

Leader of the Council Cllr Anthony Christopher said:

"We have worked tirelessly to make this a reality and news of the funding offer from the Welsh Government is the best we could possibly wish for.

"This project, coupled with the massive regeneration project in the town centre itself along with other public and private sector investment programmes means that Pontypridd is benefiting from the largest cash injection in its history."

Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cllr Paul Cannon said:

"We are overjoyed with the news of the funding for the lido project which complements the EU-backed Town Centre Regeneration project as well as improvements being made to the railway station.

"We have listened carefully to the views of the community in developing these plans and our aim is to create an environment that attracts visitors, benefits business and where communities can prosper."

Work will shortly commence on the detailed technical design for the project, prior to procuring contractors. The restored lido is expected to open in the Summer 2015.