Ruislip Lido Enhancement Project

Update »

Key messages

• Hillingdon Council is proud of its natural environment and will enhance and improve its parks and open spaces.
• The project will provide significant improvements to the lido for Hillingdon residents and will be in keeping with the local environment.
• The council will ensure that while making the improvements it preserves the 'look and feel' of the lido, wildlife and the natural environment.

Proposals include:

• Toilets - new and much needed beach side toilet facilities.
• Changing room facilities - beach side changing room facilities for those wishing to use any or all of the water based facilities.
• Improved catering facilities - provision of a greater choice of refreshments so that there is 'something for everyone'
• Narrow gauge railway - this is a much enjoyed and valued feature of the lido and there will be investment in this facility
• Nature area - the proposals for enhancement of the lido will still respect and provide quiet natural space for wildlife to flourish.
• Beach swimming area - swimming (subject to regular water quality testing) is hoped to be made available from a suitable enclosed area of the lake which will be accessed from the beach.
• Water level (feasibility study) – to establish the feasibility of proposed developments in respect of flood risk and environmental impact.
• Angling - proposals also include offering angling opportunities in designated areas for a range of age groups.
• Parking proposals - the proposed additional parking area is on the site of the previous overflow car park within the lido grounds. Options for residents parking are also being investigated.
• Children's paddle boat area - it is proposed to recreate an enclosed children's boating area within the lido.
• Boating - for families and older children, we are considering the provision of rowing boats. There will be no motor boating permitted
• Woodlands centre - a new woodlands centre is planned which will help inform and educate visitors about the flora, fauna and wildlife of the lido site.
• Site security - a full review of all aspects of site security.

Update – October 2010

Water level feasibility study

Consultant engineers, Halcrow, have been commissioned to establish the feasibility of proposed developments in respect of Flood Risk and Environmental Impact. The outcome of their findings has been submitted to the Environment Agency for consideration. The EA have been unable to respond to the report within their usual 21-day process and have therefore asked to extend timelines accordingly. It is hoped that the final report will now be published on this site between mid and late October 2010.

Toilets/changing room facilities

Building works for the new toilet and changing room facilities commenced on 20 September 2010. Temporary toilets have been put in place to accommodate visitors to Ruislip Lido until the building works are completed.

Proposed overflow car park

The Local Planning Authority has undertaken the statutory 21-day consultation period for the planning application, which drew to a close on 28 September 2010. The application attracted a number of local resident consultation responses and also requests for clarification of various points pertinent to the determination of the planning application. The applicant is seeking to address the issues raised to ensure that further information is submitted to form part of the planning application.

The Local Planning Authority has therefore recommended a subsequent 14-day re-consultation (which will include all those properties covered by the original public consultation) so that the public have an opportunity to comment on the further information currently being prepared. The timings of the re-consultation will be published in due course. 

Proposed loading restrictions

Further to discussion at the non-MAG meeting in June 2010, the Council have now progressed the proposal of loading lines being placed in specific areas in order to alleviate problems with vehicles parking on double yellow lines, causing obstruction. Consultation letters to local residents and businesses were hand delivered on the 28 September 2010 in readiness for the 21-day consultation period which commenced on the 29 September 2010.

Rain shelters

Finance for three new rain shelters has now been agreed. Installation work will be scheduled into current work programmes to ensure minimal disruption on site

Ruislip Lido Railway Society: Woody Bay Station lighting columns

Council engineers have discussed and agreed an appropriate design for replacement lighting columns for Woody Bay Station. Installation will be progressed as soon as possible.