The restoration of Tinside Lido has brought new life to one of Plymouth’s most iconic landmarks. This Grade II-listed Art Deco lido, originally built in 1935, has endured decades of harsh coastal conditions. Our work carefully balanced the conservation of its historic features with the need to enhance its resilience, ensuring the lido remains a beloved attraction for future generations.

Our team worked closely with conservation experts to safeguard the building’s original fabric while enhancing its resilience. The scope included specialist repairs to rare teak and bronze windows, careful conservation of distinctive glass blocks, and the restoration of in-situ concrete — all while honouring the site’s striking Art Deco details.

Delivering a project of this complexity demanded careful coordination, clear communication, and a sensitive approach to working within a historic, coastal environment. With tight constraints around heritage, public access, and the exposed location, our team planned and sequenced works to minimise disruption and maximise protection of the original structure. Close collaboration with the client, design team, and conservation partners was key throughout. We balanced restoration with modern upgrades, ensuring new interventions were both functional and discreet. From early-stage planning through to final handover, the focus remained on quality, longevity, and maintaining the spirit of this much-loved Plymouth landmark.

Alongside careful restoration of the lido’s historic features, the project has delivered new spaces designed to broaden its use and appeal. A flexible first-floor space now hosts youth activities, digital learning, training, and events, while a new kitchen, bar, and café pod create vibrant social spaces overlooking the sea. The revitalised sun terrace, ramped access, and improved changing facilities ensure Tinside is welcoming and accessible to all. This transformation means the lido can be enjoyed not just in summer, but throughout the year, serving as a flagship for community inclusion within the National Marine Park.

With the £3.5m works complete, Tinside Lido once again opens its doors to swimmers and visitors, ready to serve as a community hub and seafront attraction for decades to come. The project stands as a proud example of how thoughtful restoration can both celebrate and secure our architectural heritage, ensuring its place in the city’s future.