Many of our supporters have shown an interest in returning a lido to Twickenham Riverside. So, we set our lead architect, Deon Lombard, RIBA, the task of integrating a lido into our town square and riverside park concept proposal. We did this with input from the Twickenham Lido team and have developed a solution that meets the requirements of the Bristol/Thames Lido model, with the added bonus of stunning rivers views. By placing the lido at the bottom of Wharf Lane we’ve minimised its impact on the riverside site and are confident it will bring life to the currently dull and desolate car park corner of the site. It’ll not only have views across the river, but also across the riverside park and town square, and will be very open and accessible to residents and visitors. Below the lido there are river facing boathouses (real not fake), and to the side there’s a café next to the playground in the riverside park. The remainder of the proposal remains unchanged, and offers considerably more open space than currently in the Diamond Jubilee Gardens or in the Council’s carry on car parking proposal. This is just one of the options for the Twickenham Riverside Park. As we’ve said from the beginning, we're flexible about the building types, style and uses on the Riverside Park site (providing they are appropriate for the location). The lido version of our proposal is just one possibility. Ultimately, we’d like to see a proper architectural brief for the site and an open RIBA competition for its design. Comment and Share As always, we’d really appreciate your comments on this proposal, and please share it with friends, family and colleagues who might be interested. Notes about the Bristol and Thames (Reading) Lidos • Both of these are restored lidos that are constrained by the existing buildings. • In Twickenham we have the opportunity to create a new style of lido that’s really makes the most of the riverside location. • Like the Bristol and Thames Lido it will feature a café/tapas bar alongside the pool, a restaurant and function room on the first floor, sauna/steam room/spa pool, spa treatment rooms and a clean 25x10m pool (with very low chlorine levels). • We expect it to be run along similar lines to Thames Lido with daily quick swim and extended swim sessions for non-members in addition to the swim & dine, swim & spa packages that are offered at both lidos. The non-member sessions will be open to children (accompanied). • The Bristol Lido is not only very popular with swimmers, but also as a destination for great food and drink under head chef Freddy Bird. Thames Lido is very similar, having only opened a few days ago. Lido links: http://www.thameslido.com http://www.lidobristol.com