High hope of end to Walsall lido work
The transformation of Walsall Arboretum lido is pushing ahead with most groundwork completed and hopes high it will be finished by the end of the year despite downpours.
These caused play area flooding as contractors did a £250,000 revamp. Part of the work is an interactive water play feature. Walsall Council is leading the project to replace a lido used since 1953 but now condemned as unhygienic. Leisure chief councillor Anthony Harris said modifications to the kiosk to accommodate a plant room are also near completion.
"Visitors to the play area site will be able to see the new equipment being installed and the feature taking shape," he said.
"There has been some flooding to the play area over the last few weeks which caused some minor disruption, but this should not create any significant delays to the overall scheme."
Contractor Ustigate Ltd moved in in October after building part of a play structure at its factory.
The feature was initially expected to be ready ahead of the summer holidays but was delayed, with council bosses saying they wanted to minimise disruption during the school break.
The scheme was revised to include a hi-tech water recycling system to cut water use.
In 1994, the lido was developed into a treasure island-style attraction with a playground and paddling pool. The council says the aim is to create more modern facilities.
Improvements will fit in with a £7.6 million restoration at the Arboretum which includes the creation of a new visitor centre.
It comes as more than £250,000 is being earmarked to permanently light up the park to replace the axed Walsall Illuminations event.
