Manchester’s lido to return after decades of waiting

For decades, outdoor swimming in Manchester felt like a long forgotten dream. While cities and towns across the UK boasted thriving lidos, Greater Manchester stood out for its absence. 

Once home to a range of open-air pools—from The Riviera in Norden to The Galleon in East Didsbury—these cherished spaces were gradually lost to time, leaving swimmers to either dive into the chilly waters of Salford Quays or travel to places like Ilkley, Hathersage, or Nantwich for a lido experience.

But now, that’s about to change.

Manchester is finally getting its lido, marking the return of open-air swimming to the city after decades of longing. Set to be built on Cyrus Street in Holt Town, the project not only revives Manchester’s lido tradition but also reimagines what outdoor swimming can mean for a city on the up. 

Manchester’s Lido history

Back in the mid-20th century, Manchester’s open-air pools were popular community spots. The Riviera, set against the greenery of Norden, drew swimmers from across the city in the 1960s. Meanwhile, The Galleon in East Didsbury offered a taste of leisure and escape, while lidos in Alexandra Park and Heaton Park kept outdoor swimming firmly rooted in Manchester’s culture.

Yet, one by one, these pools disappeared. By the 1980s, rising maintenance costs, changing leisure trends and Manchester’s famously unpredictable weather saw lidos fall out of fashion, leaving the city without a single open-air swimming facility.

While some swimmers turned to Salford Quays or embraced wild swimming, for many, the absence of a lido symbolised a gap in Manchester’s identity. As Ian Brown famously said, “Manchester’s got everything but a beach.”

The return of the Lido

That’s why the announcement of a new lido in Holt Town feels significant. Located on Cyrus Street—a site once notorious for fly-tipping and neglect—the new lido will be more than just a swimming pool. It represents a rebirth, both for the area and for Manchester’s relationship with outdoor recreation.

Set amid 15 acres of green space in a 30-hectare redevelopment zone, the lido is part of a larger vision to transform Holt Town into a sustainable, exciting urban neighbourhood. It will sit alongside a “play spine,” a pedestrian-friendly corridor connecting schools, parks, and community spaces, and will provide a vital hub for leisure, exercise, and connection.

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, captured the project’s significance, saying, “Cyrus Street’s transformation from an ugly dump to a beautiful swimming destination has got people excited. This lido is a key part of Holt Town’s regeneration story, and it shows how we can turn neglected spaces into thriving community assets.”

More swimming spots in the city?

And like London buses, when you’re looking for one – a couple will come at once. 

The lido isn’t the only exciting development for swimming enthusiasts in Manchester. Two other ambitious projects are set to transform the city’s leisure landscape.

Therme Manchester, a £250 million wellness resort in Trafford, will bring an indoor beach, water park, botanical gardens, and even a rooftop garden to the city. Though delayed until 2025, it promises a world-class experience that blends relaxation, health, and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Soho House Manchester, opening in the Old Granada Studios, will include a luxurious rooftop pool alongside its exclusive members’ club. With its focus on local culture, dining, and music, the venue aims to combine Manchester’s creativity and grit with the brand’s signature style.

What’s next for Manchester?

While the lido’s completion is still a few years away, the anticipation is already building. Early designs show a sleek, modern facility surrounded by greenery—a perfect space for early morning swims, family outings, or simply cooling off on a rare Manchester heatwave day.

But beyond the immediate benefits, the new lido also signals a broader shift in how Manchester views its outdoor spaces. As the city grows, projects like this are about more than leisure—they’re about creating community spots, encouraging active lifestyles, and reclaiming urban spaces for the people who live there.

Manchester’s lido isn’t just a return to the past—it’s a leap forward. It’s a chance for the city to redefine what outdoor recreation can look like in an urban setting, blending its industrial roots with a greener, more people-focused future.

So, while we wait for the first splash at Holt Town’s new lido, it’s worth pausing to celebrate how far we’ve come. After all, Manchester’s got everything—and now, finally, it’s got a lido, too.