Brockwell Lido's Past

Brockwell Lido was built in 1937 to replace a much older bathing pond on the other side of Brockwell Park, and was designed in a grand Art Deco style by the London County Council.

The building was identical to a Lido in Victoria Park, Hackney, which has sadly been demolished, and so is the last surviving example of this elegant, Grade II listed design.

From its earliest years, the lido has played host to thousands of visitors every summer, offering a welcome escape from the sweltering streets of South London.

Throughout the 1930s, popular diving competitions and community events were established, cementing the special relationship between the Lido and the community, which has remained strong ever since.

Memories are made of this
The fondness of community feeling for the Lido prompted a BBC Modern Times documentary in 1996, which highlighted the unique wonders of ‘beach life’ in the heart of South London, and the draw of the pool in summer remains as strong as ever.

The film demonstrated just how important a role the Lido had played in the lives of the local community, and how it had been the backdrop to so many life-changing events for so many people.

Tough times
Over the years, the Lido has suffered at the hands of fate, and had fortune been less favourable, may have been lost many years ago.

It is ironic that the Lido has always struggled to keep afloat financially, although in 2001 hopes were raised by a much publicised sponsorship deal with Evian.

Unfortunately, the deal collapsed after just one season, and the impending financial meltdown prompted loyal users to form the Brockwell Lido Users (BLU) group in the same year to fight for the Lido’s survival.

Things hadn't improved much by 2003, when Lambeth Council began to seriously consider demolishing the lido and returning the land to the park.

A new lease of life
However, the tide of fortune began to change. In 2003, Lambeth Council decided to consider other options, and we were granted a 25 year lease on the Lido.

We immediately set about securing a productive future for the Lido, and in December 2003 were granted planning and listed building permissions for the current extension and modernisation of the building.