Brockwell Lido, one of London's most beloved outdoor swimming pools, is set to receive a £250,000 refurbishment this summer following the collapse of its former operator. The historic lido in Herne Hill, which has been a community fixture since 1937, will return to Lambeth Council's control on July 1, 2026.
Council takes over management
The council's in-house health and leisure service, Active Lambeth, will assume day-to-day management of the lido. Existing memberships will automatically transfer to the new operator. Councillors have announced a major upgrade for the gym and swimming pools as part of the investment.
Improvements include state-of-the-art sports equipment, a dedicated training space, new flooring, and upgraded lane ropes. The gym will close for approximately two weeks from July 1 for installation, but the lido will remain open for swimming, and group exercise classes are expected to continue as normal. Fusion members can access other Active Lambeth sites during the closure.
Community asset secured
Councillor Natalie Kane, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture, said: "Brockwell Lido is a vital community asset and we’re proud to be bringing it back in-house, as part of the Active Lambeth family. The lido is an inclusive, welcoming space that offers more than just exercise, it’s a social space for the community year around, from hardy winter swimmers, to kids and families cooling off on long summer days. This is an iconic building that is cherished by the people who use it. We’re excited to be investing in the Lido so visitors have modern facilities that support health and wellbeing for everyone."
Background of operator collapse
Fears over the lido's future emerged in April 2026 when Fusion Lifestyle, the previous operator, fell into administration. The company had been facing prolonged financial difficulties, citing rising operational costs, reduced government funding, and post-pandemic recovery challenges. Fusion had been in discussions with Lambeth Council about the future of the "highly-valued community facility" before its collapse.
