Reopening plans for Jesus Green outdoor pool in Cambridge announced
The Jesus Green outdoor pool in Cambridge will reopen on April 2, 2021, in time for the Easter bank holiday, the city council has confirmed.
This is five weeks earlier than usual and follows government guidance about the reopening of outdoor sports facilities, which was announced as part of the four-stage plan to ease lockdown.
The unheated pool - which at 91 metres is the UK’s longest - will be the first place to reopen for public swimming in the city.
Contractor GLL is preparing the pool now, but the reopening is subject to the weather conditions and the government’s roadmap for easing lockdown continuing to go to plan.
Cllr Anna Smith, executive councillor for communities said: “This is fantastic news and I am delighted that we can work to reopen Jesus Green outdoor pool for the Easter bank holiday.
“Outdoor swimming has risen enormously in popularity and it is good for both physical and mental health. I hope that many people will take the opportunity to visit safely when it reopens.”
Details on the timetable, cold water swimming advice and booking arrangements will be available shortly via the Better website and app at https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cambridge/jesusgreenlido.
The government’s roadmap enables outdoor sporting facilities to reopen from March 29.
Daryl Emes, Cambridgeshire partnership manager of GLL, said: “GLL is absolutely delighted with the announcement that outdoor pools are able to open from the week of Monday 29 March.
“There is much work still to do but we have started the process to get Jesus Green Lido ready to welcome our customers back safely and our aim is to be open for around the start of April.
“We are acutely aware of the impact the lockdowns have had on people’s physical and mental wellbeing and so we know getting the Lido open earlier than usual this season will be a hugely positive step towards addressing this.”
The iconic pool is one of the few remaining lidos built across the country in the 1920s and 30s. The water depth ranges from 1.2 to 2.5 metres and separate male and female changing and shower facilities are available.
Normally open from May to September, it can be found alongside the River Cam opposite Chesterton Road, between Jesus Lock and Victoria Avenue bridge.
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