The Makeover

When Portishead Open Air pool was threatened with closure in 2008, local supporters sprang into action. Friends of Portishead Open Air Pool was formed, which later became the Portishead Pool Community Trust and local press, radio and TV battled for the cause with the highly effective STOP (Save The Open air Pool) campaign run by the former Bristol Evening Post.

The Real Turning Point

The real turning point, however, was when the Trust secured the support of Extreme Makeover, a major TV ‘makeover’ programme called ‘Ty Pennington’s Great British Adventure’. And an adventure it was – you can relive the experience by clicking the link to our YouTube channel on this website.

The ‘Great British Weather’ tried its hardest to wipe Ty’s smile off his face to no avail. Ty and a small army of volunteers made an extraordinary effort refurbishing changing rooms, painting walls, scrubbing, you name it. A week later and many sore hands and knees, the make-over worth £200,000 ensured the pool was ready for opening in May 2009. Thanks to all who were involved.

Watch the Pool Makeover

Meanwhile…

Meanwhile, the formerly shabby, unwelcoming cafe, has also been transformed into a smart, thriving café that is run by the Trust as Café Lido. The retro feel lives on with great pictures of the pool in its heyday on show.

The pool still relies heavily on volunteer support. Could you do something to help? From admin to marketing and painting, there are many jobs to cover and we need your support. Help us keep the pool running.

… and after!