London Fields lido will reopen in ‘late summer’ after repair work hits a snag

The London Fields lido will reopen in “late summer” after the urgent repair work taking place hit a snag.

The popular pool closed in April so the cracked tiles that had started to come away from the inside walls could be replaced.

It came after a long search for contractors, with work having been postponed late last year because town hall bosses couldn’t find anyone up to the job.

The project will also see the changing rooms and reception area renovated. Some have questioned why that isn’t done separately to speed things up during the busy summer period, but the council maintains if it were to do that the lido would have to be closed twice.

The repairs were initially due to be finished by “summer”, but that has now changed to “late summer”.

Community services boss Cllr Jon Burke visited the pool yesterday to check on the progress.

He told the Gazette: “The works are progressing well. The pool tank tiles have been removed and work is underway to expose the pool slab before the re-tiling can start.

“This work has been slightly delayed by difficulties removing the material beneath the tiles.

“Additional workers have been brought in to complete the work to ensure the programme remains as close to schedule as possible.

“A canopy has been built over the pool so work can continue in the event of rain. To prepare for the construction of the new reception area and changing rooms, various walls and ceilings have been taken down and the floor slab is being dug out for new drainage.

“The original slab was constructed to a higher specification than anticipated and, as a result, diamond-tipped cutting equipment and a specialist excavator are being used to finish the job.

“Obviously, unforeseen challenges are an inherent part of the construction process but, where they have been encountered, are being dealt with in a timely fashion to remain as close as possible to our target of a later summer re-opening.”