Malvern Park Lido
Malvern Park Lido was purchased by the Council at the beginning of 1954, although it had been in use as a privately-owned open-air swimming pool since at least 1944.
An article in the Warwick County News of 19th May 1951 reports on the opening of the Lido for the season and describes how the water was changed completely every four hours. The temperature of the water depended upon the amount of sunshine, as the owners of open-air pools were not then permitted to have fuel for heating them. The newspaper comments: "Only the more hardy bathers were tempted to enter the water."
As a result of increasing financial losses and structural problems requiring expensive repairs, the pool was closed in 1982. After first being considered for residential development, the site was sold to St Martin's School in 1988. The school originally planned to build an indoor pool and a drama studio on the site but plans were postponed. There was also an unsuccessful application for lottery funding to re-open the Lido in 1998.
Local people have fond memories of the Lido:
Solihull Heritage & Local Studies Service would like to hear about your memories of the Lido and see any photographs you may have of it. Fill in the Lido Memory Sheet (attached right) or telephone Tracey Williams, Local Studies Librarian on 0121 704 6976 or e-mail heritage@solihull.gov.uk.