otley lido
We were asked to conduct an assessment of the existing derelict site of the former Otley Lido by a local Community Interest Company, Friends of Otley Lido. Situated on the banks of the River Wharfe in a flood risk area adjacent to Wharfe Meadow Park and Otley Bridge (a Scheduled Ancient Monument), the 1920s-constructed Lido has been vacant since the 1990s.
The group formed to look at strategies to bring the site back to its original use as an outdoor swimming pool and it has been campaigning to raise awareness and secure funding for a programme of works. We assembled a team of consultants to assist with a comprehensive feasibility study and looked at a number of approaches, from reusing the existing buildings to a wider, whole site, redevelopment, to achieve a long-term economically-sustainable future as a swimming destination for the site.
The 1920s pool infrastructure requires removal and replacement as part of the redevelopment works which will include new changing facilities, a new pool and children’s swimming area. Other revenue generating functions, including a gym, restaurant / café, and crèche have been considered as part of the feasibility study.
Funding applications are in progress.