A MULTI-MILLION pound improvement plan for Droitwich Spa Lido has been unveiled and the public are urged to have their say on plans.
Wychavon has been working with Droitwich Spa Place Board, One Creative Environments, Gleeds and Wychavon Leisure to draw up plans to enhance the lido, which is already one of the district’s major visitor attractions.
The scheme, estimated to cost about £8 million, is part of a wider vision outlined in the Droitwich Spa Town Centre Investment Prospectus to make the town a national destination for leisure and wellbeing.
Councillor Richard Morris, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Economy and Tourism, said: “Residents made it clear during the consultation for the town prospectus they wanted to see the lido invested in to create a sustainable future for an asset they are proud of.
“I’m delighted this proposal delivers on that ask. Incorporating the brine pool also means we have an opportunity to bring the two facilities unique to Droitwich together for the first time.”
It will also help kick-start the wider regeneration of the town centre and make the lido more financially sustainable and less reliant on Wychavon for support funding.
Proposals include an enhanced and safer entrance from Worcester Road, including a dedicated footpath to the lido as well as upgrades to the appearance of the area surrounding the lido.
Wing extensions which join the existing cafe building with the Art Deco building are also proposed to bring it back into use.
The existing cafe is also expected to be replaced with a brine pool, spa and leisure facility alongside the development of a new cafe at the south end of the site for Lido users and Lido Park visitors.
Plans also include extending the lido grounds to include a new family-friendly swimming area. The current free water play area would be relocated to elsewhere in Lido Park to make room for this.
Coun Dan Birch, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing, added: “The Droitwich Place board along with Wychavon Officers have done an exceptional job of getting us to this stage.
“This will be the administration that sees the return of brine facilities to Droitwich, and we couldn’t be prouder.
“We know what the lido means to our community, so I encourage everyone to get involved with the consultation and take the opportunity to have their say.”
Lido users and residents are now being asked to give their views on the scheme as part of a four-week public consultation, which runs until 11.59pm on December 15, 2024.
Nigel Grundy, Area Manager for Wychavon Leisure, added: “This is fantastic news for the town.
“Wychavon Leisure, who manage Droitwich Lido, is fully committed to this exciting proposal and the improvements it will bring.
“This project will create jobs and opportunities whilst providing a vibrant place for the local community and visitors to enjoy and benefit from.”
Feedback from the consultation will be presented to councillors, who will be asked to make a final decision on funding the scheme at a meeting in February.
Matt Nicol, Chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “We’re committed to supporting Wychavon’s vision for enhancing our town for both residents and visitors.
“The lido project has been a central focus for over a year and we’re thrilled to invite residents to join us as we take this exciting next step.
“The project is a result of significant effort and collaboration from many groups, including Save Our Brine Baths and Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido, to create something we can all truly take pride in.”
On Friday, November 22, representatives from Wychavon, Wychavon Leisure and Droitwich Spa Place Board will be at the library to answer any questions and listen to feedback on the proposal.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/lido for more information.
