BUILDING PROJECTS


THAMES LIDO READING


A restorative swim


A listed riverside Edwardian lido has been painstakingly restored to modern standards, adding new features while retaining the building’s heritage and idiosyncratic style. Project architect Sam Kendon explains all to Jack Wooler


fter standing derelict for 40 years, Reading Lido has been refurbished to modern standards, and is now a location for both leisure and dining in this aspiring town. Originally constructed in 1902, the revitalised lido offers new elements to the semi-outdoors experience, including a spa and a highly- rated restaurant.


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The Lido gets its name from its location by the River Thames in King’s Meadow, a large park in central Reading. Designed by architects Marshall & Kendon, the refurbishment has taken advantage of the scenic setting, introducing openings in the surrounding walls, which allow views of the


ADF JULY 2018 nearby riverside.


The building itself is listed, and many steps had to be taken to ensure the Lido stayed true to its original character. Being empty for so long however, extensive repairs had to be undertaken, with new building fabric constructed in many areas, and an extension built in place of the demolished 1950’s plant room. After a successful 2008 project restoring Clifton Lido in Bristol the architects and their joint clients – chef Freddy Bird, and Swedish developer Arne Ringner – had useful experience working together that they could apply to this somewhat similar lido refurbishment. This has been


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