Tooting Bec Lido
Soil was excavated during the pool’s construction – mostly by labourers provided by the Central (Unemployed) Body for London – was formed into an embankment and planted with trees to shield the bathers from the common.
Measuring 100 x 33 yards, the lido is said to be the largest freshwater pool in England and the widest in Europe. The pool is unheated and is open to the public from mid-May to the end of September each year. The photo on the right was taken in mid-September.
The South London swimming club was formed here a few weeks after the pool opened. The club organises various activities and special events at the lido, including during the winter months, though the council subcontracts the facility’s day-to-day management to a commercial operation.
New cubicles and showers replaced the old dressing sheds in 1936, a café was built, and the lavatories were remodelled.
In 2001–2 a new shallow end entrance was built in art deco style. The deep end area was refurbished in 2016 with a new pavilion and sunbathing area. As well as being a venue for fitness and sports classes, the pavilion is also intended to serve as a headquarters for events such as aquathlons, triathlons and galas.