Date published: 5 May 2026
Wychavon has underlined its commitment to deliver the £12.5 million transformation of Droitwich Spa Lido, with work set to start as early as this autumn.
Councillors agreed in 2024 to redevelop the site as part of a major investment in leisure and wellbeing in Droitwich Spa. Since then, detailed work has been carried out to finalise the design for the pool, building on strong support from the public. Wychavon has worked closely with a range of stakeholders, industry specialists and technical experts throughout the process to shape the proposals.
The overall vision for the Lido remains unchanged from the one presented to the public during consultation. However, some elements of the scheme have been refined to control costs and ensure the project can still be delivered.
The main change is the café, which will be increased in size but will stay in its current position, rather than relocate to the south end of the site as originally proposed. Moving the café would cost considerably more and could have a greater impact on Lido Park due to the rerouting of utilities. This would result in the loss of trees and challenges gaining planning permission. Concerns were also raised during the public consultation about how accessible a relocated cafe would be for some people, given the distance from the car park.
Instead, a snack kiosk will be added to the south end of the site which will serve Lido customers as well as users of the park, including the new splash pad. A new bistro overlooking the pool will also be created on the upper floor of the iconic Art Deco building.
The transformation will also deliver:
- A spa
- A brine pool larger than originally proposed during consultation within the Art Deco building, returning a brine bath to the town for the first time in almost 20 years.
- Additional shower and changing facilities to complement the enhanced offer.
- A new splash pad to replace the existing facility.
- Refurbishment of the existing changing rooms and showers, including new accessible facilities as requested during the consultation.
- An enhanced and safer entrance to the Lido from Worcester Road, including a dedicated footpath.
Pictured: Droitwich Spa Lido is set for a £12.5 million transformation
Because of the importance of the scheme to Droitwich Spa and the surrounding area, councillors agreed last month to add an extra £7.4 million to the £5.1 million already allocated to the transformation of the Lido.
A planning application is expected to be submitted this summer, with work due to start as soon as possible once planning permission has been granted. It is expected the new-look Lido will be ready to use in spring/summer 2028. A final design will be released to the public in the near future.
Jayne Pickering, Wychavon’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “As you move into the detailed design phase of a project, it’s natural some elements evolve as costs are better understood and the practicality of options tested. Apart from a small change to the café location, the scheme still delivers on the original vision for the Lido, which was backed by 86% per cent of people who took part in the consultation, alongside additions requested by stakeholders.”
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, added “This will be a magnificent investment in Droitwich Spa, and one many towns and other Lidos up and down this country will be envious of. As a prominent supporter of the SALT (Save A Lido Today) campaign that helped restore the Lido with Wychavon’s support in 2007, I’m passionate about the Lido and its future.
“We appreciate not everyone will agree with every decision we have made. I’m genuinely saddened Matt Nicol, Chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, has chosen to resign. Matt has been an excellent chair, bringing his ideas, commitment, and leadership. Under his chairmanship and with Wychavon’s support, the Place Board has achieved a vast amount. I enjoyed working with Matt and the team.
“But while we have listened extensively to a wide range of views and taken feedback on board, we can’t keep talking forever. We have a responsibility to deliver this investment.
“With Local Government Reorganisation taking place in April 2028, there is a limited window to progress the project. There is no guarantee the council replacing Wychavon will support this scheme, or the Lido in general, in the future. Any significant delay risks losing the opportunity altogether.
“Our focus is on getting this scheme built and protecting the future of the Lido, so it continues to thrive and serve the community for generations to come.”