Abergavenny lido dreams take step forward with cash prize

Dreams of bringing an outdoor swimming pool to Abergavenny have taken a step forward – thanks to a donation from Persimmon.

The Abergavenny Lido Group has ambitious plans to build a heated outdoor pool at Bailey Park. There was a public lido at the park from 1938 until it closed 1996, before eventually being demolished a decade later.

Persimmon Homes has stepped in with a £1,000 grant to help fund a feasibility study into the venture, which is seen as the first step of the project.

The funding comes as part of our Community Champions initiative, which sees 64 good causes across Great Britain awarded up to £1,000 every month.

Jane Smith, of The Abergavenny Lido Group, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from Persimmon Homes. There has been a massive resurgence in interest in outdoor swimming and we want Abergavenny to be a part of that. Outdoor swimming is a suitable exercise for people of all ages and it helps people get or stay in shape, and the benefits also extend to mental health.

“The Abergavenny Lido would also provide a further attraction for tourists. A recent survey showed 94 per cent of people were in favour of the lido. The first step is to finance a feasibility study before securing larger grants to complete the project. This money will help with that.”

Victoria Williams, sales director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist The Abergavenny Lido Group. This group has big plans and we’re pleased to be able to help get the ball rolling.

“We’ve been building new homes at our Willow Court site in Abergavenny since the end part of 2018. Helping good causes in the areas in which we are active is key to the Persimmon Homes ethos – and this is another example of that.”

There are 15 properties left to buy at Willow Court in Llantilio Pertholey.