Shaftesbury Lido Renovations

Aim: Our precious Shaftesbury Lido needs investment to replace its ageing filtration system and pool liner.

Who are we?

We are the Friends of Shaftesbury Swimming (FOSS) and Shaftesbury Town Council working together to secure the future of Shaftesbury Lido.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Shaftesbury Lido is Dorset's only lido and has been a much-loved community's asset for more than 100 years.  It now needs urgent investment to continue operating.  The aging filtration system and pool lining need to be replaced at a total estimated cost of £120k.  We need if at all possible to complete the work ahead of the 2025 summer season.  The crowdfunding is to help us secure the final £30k needed, enabling us to draw down match-funding offered by Dorset Council and Sport England and get the project underway.  

How we’ll spend the money raised

The project involves removing the existing pipework and filtration systems and replacing them with new pipework and filters that meet modern standards. Once the plumbing works have been completed a new pool liner will be fitted.  At the same time, improvements will be made to the poolside drainage and the pool surround will need to be made good.   The total cost is estimated at £120k of which c.£90k will be accounted for by the replacement of pipework and filters.  All money raised through the fundraiser will contribute directly to the project.

Community impact

Shaftesbury Lido is a much-loved community asset used by many local people in the town and surrounding villages, as well as drawing visitors from far and wide who help keep our high street businesses alive and busy.  

People of all ages benefit from being able to swim and learn to swim at the Lido:

• children, toddlers and families, who enjoy fun sessions in an outdoor environment
• local primary schools bringing groups of their pupils for swimming lessons
• adults, including many who are elderly, who lane swim regularly for physical and mental health
• adults taking part in aquafit and aquafit wellness sessions, including to recuperate from illness or injury
• individuals of all ages taking swimming lessons
• cold water swimmers in the winter, many of whom travel considerable distances
• naturists who enjoy naked swimming in the summer, many who also travel considerable distances. 

"This is such a great asset.  My son and I love swimming here.  It's our summer highlight and have been most weeks."

"A valuable asset to the town - my visiting grandchildren really love a visit to the lido."

"Great little pool for lane swimming and a nice bunch of friendly morning swimmers."

"This was my first visit to the lido naked session, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Highly recommend, clothed or unclothed."

"It really is one of the sweetest Lido's I've been to and I definitely will be back!"

Our pool at Barton Hill can trace its origins back to the 19th century when Shaftesbury first got a regular supply of pumped water.  We want to ensure the Lido's long term sustainability for future generations to enjoy.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!