Teignmouth Lido will reopen for the summer season in 2026 after Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Committee voted to reverse its previous decision to close the popular outdoor pool.
The decision was made during a meeting on Tuesday 10 March, following a recommendation from the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on March 3. Councillors said the move reflects strong community support for keeping the much-loved facility open.
Originally, the closure of the Lido was expected to save the council £74,000 this year as part of wider efforts to balance the budget. However, after hearing concerns from councillors and members of the public about the impact the closure would have on the community, the Executive Committee agreed the pool should operate for the 2026 summer season.
Teignbridge District Council will run the Lido this summer while continuing discussions with community groups interested in taking on the site in the future. The council said it will work closely with these groups to ensure any potential handover is carried out safely and sustainably.
While councillors are keen to involve the community in the Lido’s future, they also stressed the need to ensure a fair process for any organisation interested in acquiring the site. The council must also comply with legislation relating to procurement and Assets of Community Value (ACV).
Despite the financial challenges facing the authority, councillors agreed that reopening the Lido would provide greater value to the community than the savings achieved through closure. Keeping the pool open will allow residents and visitors to continue enjoying the facility while a long-term solution is explored.
Deputy Leader of Teignbridge District Council and Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, Councillor David Palethorpe, welcomed the decision.
“I believe opening the Lido is the right thing to do,” he said. “It allows the community to keep using the pool while Teignbridge works with those who are looking towards its long-term future.”
The reopening means the much-loved seaside pool will once again be available for swimmers throughout the summer, while discussions continue about how best to secure the Lido’s future for years to come.
