Beccles Lido has plans to improve facility after donations

The region's only lido has unveiled plans for a major upgrade as its gears up for a busy season.

The changes at Beccles Lido will see the installation of dozens of new solar panels, to supply their electricity, with a new canopy to provide shelter from less welcome British summer weather.

A new kitchen has also been installed, to cater for guests using the cafe.

The installation of 52 new solar panels will be paid for by a £102,519 grant, jointly funded by the government and Sport England.

They will replace the old panels installed in 2011 and some will be put on the new all-weather canopy, which will replace the old awning.

The Broads Authority has approved the plans, but work has yet to start on the scheme.

Shaun Crowley, director of the Beccles Lido (Image: Archant)

Shaun Crowley, director of Beccles Lido, said: "The solar panels will more than double the Lido’s solar power, which currently generates up to one-third of the Lido’s electricity.

"At a time when the Lido’s utility bills have increased from £40,000 per annum to an estimated £175,000 this year, this grant is a welcome boost to the Lido in its bid to become as carbon neutral as possible, as well as reducing its running costs."

The new kitchen has been paid for with a generous grant from the Beccles Townlands Charity (Feoffees).

Mr Crowley added: "We are very grateful to the them for their generous grant for our new kitchen, which will support the Lido’s catering operation.

"Our café is an important part of the Lido’s income, and the old facilities were both outdated and falling apart, so this grant and upgrade are most timely and very exciting.”

Jennifer Langeskov of the Beccles Townlands Charity (Feoffees) pictured in the newly installed kitchen at the Beccles Lido (Image: Matt Day)

Beccles Townlands Charity (Feoffees) member, Jennifer Langeskov, has been swimming at the pool since it opened in 1959 when she was 16 years old.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted to have made such a considerable donation to the Lido for the installation of its new kitchen.

"The Lido is a fantastic facility and a truly important asset for the town which we are proud to continue to support the lido."

This Sunday the pool is hosting its 10th triathlon, there are plans for a 12-hour swim in September and the Lido is now offering “Relaxed swims”.

For more information see: www.beccleslido.com

The old awning (pictured) will be replaced with a new all-weather canopy (Image: Newsquest)

Newspaper extract from 1959 of the site on the River Waveney where the Big Dog Ferry now is, home to the old outdoor swimming pool (Image: Beccles Lido)The site on the River Waveney where the Big Dog Ferry now is, home to the old outdoor swimming pool (Image: Beccles Lido) Families enjoying the summer at Beccles Lido (Image: Sonya Duncan) Summer at Beccles Lido (Image: Archant © 2018)