A budget proposal which would have seen the city’s Lido close its doors this summer has been changed following an outpouring of public support for the venue.
Instead, the Lido will open as usual this year and officers will be tasked with attracting grants and income to cover the running costs. A range of measures which will reduce the cost of operating the venue will also be introduced, including installing a pool cover to reduce energy costs, reviewing fees and charges, improving the food and beverage offer, and considering the temperature of the water.
The proposal was one of a number that were put forward by the council’s cross-party Financial Sustainability Working Group to address a £23m budget gap in 2025/26. The plan was to mothball the Lido whilst other sources of funding were investigated to mitigate the £400,000 a year running costs.
Consultation took place on the proposals and attracted 1,427 responses - more than a 1,000% increase compared to last year.
Councillor Dennis Jones, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I know I can speak for other members of the council’s Financial Sustainability Working Group when I say that we never wanted to see the Lido close. It is a wonderful art-deco open-air swimming pool which we are very lucky to have in our city.
“However, the size of our budget gap means we have had to consider all options, no matter how unpalatable some of them might be. We cannot continue to provide everything we used to if we are to set a balanced budget – something we are legally required to do.
“That said, the commentary and feedback from the public is clear. We have been listening, and we continue to listen.
“As a result, I am pleased to say that we have looked again at our budget plans and changed the proposal in relation to the Lido, meaning it will open this year.
“I now urge people to use it, as this will support us in reducing the operating costs. The more people who use the facility, the better chance we have of getting to the point where it covers its costs each year.”
A meeting of the council’s Joint Scrutiny Committee will consider the budget feedback and the draft proposals at a meeting taking place on Wednesday 29 January.
Cabinet will consider the draft proposals on Tuesday 11 February and will then recommend the draft budget to Full Council. That meeting, where the budget will be set, will take place on Wednesday 19 February.
A summary of the budget consultation responses and the council’s initial response will be included in the agenda for the Joint Scrutiny Committee meeting. This will be published on Tuesday 21 January and available on the council’s website.