Neighbours

Scaffolding for tables is far more sightly...

A big thank you to all of our immediate neighbours who turned out last Friday for a sneak preview of the Lido. We sent out invites to come and help us eat and drink our way through a little spread and even more tasty, to see whats been happening right on their doorstep for the last few months. The sunshine held and the turnout was good with around 60-80 inquisitive guests arriving, all of which were genuinely lovely and most supportive of the Victorian redevelopment. It was great to face so many questions and feel the excitement that was buzzing, a very positive end to the week. One of the neighbours even has a splendid collection of vintage Victorian clothing, including evening and swim wear, that once finished the Lido would make a grand backdrop to for some snaps. Once again thanks again to all who popped in and as you can see not long now on resurrecting what is truly an exciting Bristolian landmark.

Crane

The two massive filters that will cleanse the Lido pool were too big to be handled through any of the door openings of the Lido. Instead they were lifted over the roof tops and across narrow streets of Oakfield Place on the 12th May. All successfully in with no damage, good.

The pool is now cast and we are awaiting delivery of 22 tonnes of the most beautiful blue Italian ceramic tiles to finish the internal lining of the pool. Once these are on we will have a real sense of getting there. (see pic below)

On the 10th of June a team arrives to assemble the finest Valoriani wood burning bread oven shipped from Florence in Italy. These Valoriani ovens are world famous for producing the best bread, pizza and cooked small meats and fish. These oven are in use by the River Cafe', Jamie Oliver, Cafe Moro and many others, especially in central London. Apart from being a great oven, burning dry hardwood is very friendly to our atmosphere rather than the usual reliance of gas.

The scaffolding is now dismantled on the front of Oakfield Place and it is truly a swan from duckling transformation. The fresh paint really accentuates the original stonework of the door and window surrounds. It’s great to finally see the front aspect brought back to life.

The large sliding windows of the restaurant and poolside café now have the sturdy frames in place, a final glass size measurement has been taken and the order for the glass placed. The Spa has had its first coat of interior paint; rads, basins etc installed and is looking fine. We have even got a bit excited and been antique shopping to find suitable, sympathetic and complimentary to the style of the building furniture and fittings.

In the meantime, engineers are working on the unique solar powered air conditioning system for the restaurant which will be a first for Bristol if not Britain, it is a wonderful and wacky stroke of genius.. More news on that later..

Developement...

The pool now has its bones, the shape and infinity effect clearly visible. Waterproofing it next week will be followed by cosmetic application. Heritage pools guys have done a quick and good job.

Also next week we will be painting the exterior of the building which will then enable us to remove the scaffolding from outside, move it inside and erect by the side of the restaurant. Thus enabling the insertion of the completed large sliding window frames to the pool side lounge and restaurant. Then a costly final measurement for the windows can be taken and the windows made.

One little (or large) snag is getting the pool water filters into the building. It was possible a while ago when there was a large enough hole in the wall on Southley rd, but that has since been filled in and the other entrance, the front door, is to small. So the only way in for these large heavy filters is over the top. We've had to hire a crane to lift them in, so fingers crossed that will go smoothly.

In the mean time we've been on some more spa research, this time visiting 3 different English spas to have organised tours to investigate operational procedures, no wallowing in hydro pools this time unfortunately. Instead studying the importance of customer journey, building flow and staffing practices. A couple of really interesting demonstrations on computer systems! and tours of pool plant rooms which basically look like the inside of Apollo 13. Swimming trunk spinners, flip flops, communications, signage, hot tubs, steam and relaxation room vibe. It's great coming into the spa industry with no preconceptions as we are constantly finding that a fresh approach is far more beneficial than churning out what everyone else has already done. Visiting some older established spas have given a lead on more what not to do than to do and our spin on it all is quite different which is very exciting.

Aerial photos

Metal rod supports in the pool get a good blasting with cement...

The ground floor washrooms, kitchen with a view above, plant machinery above that and the new restaurant roof ready for 90 solar panel tubes...

The original doors and windows to the old Victorian tea room, restored and replaced and the new treatment room windows above in the restored roof...

Pool walls 3 quarters done...

High powered concrete hose..

These are about 10 days ago, however it's all changing every day. The interior of the spa build is almost there, rooms plastered, door frames in ready to take doors, second fix soon. The pool contractors are amazing and it's mind bending on how they are going to achieve a completely flat pool to achieve the infinity effect over the edge all round the pool, it has to be perfectly straight.

More reserch...

It's the future...

negative compression chambers... er..humm

A spa convention in Excel arena London was the target, the mission to seek out all interesting aspects of the spa world. Arrived late due to heavy traffic on Pentonville road and realised that Bristol traffic was a lot more forgiving than in the metropolis, but traffic jams and cars in cities generally don't work. But this gave our tour guide, the font of all spa knowledge himself, who we were meeting there, the chance to get a good head start looking around the large glorified warehouse that is Excel. This was actually a blessing in disguise as 'the font' could go in and immediately sniff out all of the stands worth looking at and thus save loads of time (sat in traffic discussing brand ethos and then onto slogans and then realising we don't want one). Once inside it was clear that the world of spas at the current moment in time evolves around three things.. spray on tanning, lotions and potions and electric therapy beds. What we came to sniff out was a product range that would suit us, look great, be of great quality, all in a workable reasonable package. They were all there, Clarins, Elemis, Creme de la mere, various Parisian beauty agents, it was alot to take in, but the font was knowledgeable as ever and sliced through all the hard sell and asked all the right questions. After being given the spiel by several major producers and laden with more face creams and body butter than we could carry (amazing how generous they were after finding out we're to open a spa), we consulted on the product houses we had seen so far, only one of which stood out by a mile and we all liked very much. A further meeting has been arranged at their HQ to meet the MD and learn more about their product called..... we'll let you know after the meeting, see how it goes.

The day was finished off back in familiar territory, a restaurant. A quick bit of tapas at acclaimed Moro restaurant, the food fantastic. Moro has been a large inspiration for the Lido restaurant and in its direction so this was a treat.

Pool skeleton

Once the concrete had been poured in to level out the bottom and support the sides , the pool specialists can move on. Steel supporting grids are affixed into position and wooden sides that are higher than the surrounding ground are constructed. This gives a visual impression of the 'infinity pool' effect for the first time.

Large planter boxes have been made and fixed to the west and north walls and bamboo and other shooting plants are being inserted, this will give total privacy to the Lido. They will be watered by rain water collected from the slanting roofs of the outdoor changing cubicles.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

Victorian blue

Restored tea room windows with the beginings of the pool view balcony

'Borrowed'

The old and new woodwork

As well as all the new features going into the Lido there will be as much retention of old materials as possible, recycling where ever possible. Some of the building is so old and in such a poor state that it has to be replaced with new parts. Due to the grade 2 nature features and new materials have to be sympathetic to the original, which is great as far as were concerned, preserving and enhancing this old lido really is special. Of the 5 supporting beams that hold and make the face of the pool side lounge and restaurant, 2 have had to be replaced, above pic, and the old floor joists replaced for safety. The originals have had rotten ends sawn off and will be lovingly restored and used as chunky balustrades for the stairs from lounge to restaurant.

Drawing on experience from fitting and furnishing the Glass Boat, local reclaiming is the order or the day. The Glass Boat when it was built in 85-86 did exactly that and made good of various used and unwanted local materials, most of the boat's fittings reflect Bristol's heritage - from the original marble worktops from St Nicholas fish market, to the polished walnut and maple floor. The solid Burma teak doors originate from the old Royal Hotel, and other architectural features come from local buildings including a former police station, flourmills in Avonmouth and the Western Daily Press offices in Silver Street. Some of the portholes even come from a cross channel ferry. The Lido is successfully learning from her elder sister and has so far claimed the original wooden stair case form the currently redeveloped Bristol and West building on the center along with some beautiful old chunky wooden doors, which we have decided will polish up nicely for the private changing room doors. (2nd above). The stairs will be put to good use again leading diners to the pool view restaurant.

The original colour of the Lido form the Victorian days was a sky blue which can still be seen on some of the inside features, where possible this will be brought back to life.

So with all the right ingredients it's only right that we shall be submitting the venue to be approved as a venue for civil ceremonies.

Outdoor pools in winter?

Ok.. look normal..

Snow ball...

The Neo Baroque Szechenyi Furdo

Hungarian wet sports.. chess!

Wallowing...

Splendid exterior...

Splendid interior decor so far removed from modern day british health centers!

A common question is will the pool be open all year round and the answer is definitely yes. Do people go swimming in winter? especially in an outdoor pool with no roof, do you not freeze to death at the sheer thought of scampering around in near freezing conditions?

Well it's always been the intention to open the pool all year, mainly because it's heated anyway, so therefore will be a pleasure to swim in during the cooler months. What better way to find out than go some where that's well established with outside pools, not to mention a bit nippy, and find out how the people get on. Budapest has over 100 natural thermal spa baths, with locals and visitors proud and frequent users. We organised a comprehensive weekend research trip to see some of the worlds greatest outdoor pools and were very impressed. It was very cold but that didn't seem to stop the luxury seeking locals. The water was great at a temperature close to human body temperature and on the clear, sunny day we visited the bath, the atmospheric steam really was spectacular and people in abundance too. The feeling of walking in the cold air followed by submerging into the warm water was amazing and truly revitalising, a feeling that we very much hope to replicate in the Lido. The 'restaurant' area was basic and paprika goulash probably not our first choice but a quick rub down from the big, scary Hungarian masseuses really does make you feel 100% relaxed and refreshed. After another wallow, a couple of lengths, it was time to leave and make notes on what we had learnt from a truly fantastic day experience in an outdoor winter pool.

Pool Preperation..

..was under going in full force recently. Before the new pool contractors can proceed with building the new pool certain preparation work had to be done. This involved 33 trucks full of cement being pumped into the existing pool to seal the floor, deep end and sides. The now re enforced pool is ready for the new pool to incorporate pumps, filters, lights and feature water shoots.

Big Building

Wash rooms and pool plant room on the ground floor and the kitchen on the first. The kitchen has a 3 ft over hanging balcony nearest the pool and will have windows set in so people can look in to get the impression of the working kitchen.

Treatment room 6 is currently the 'plans' room. Don't worry, the pink is just plaster board.

Natural light into all the treatment rooms is very important so many a velux has been Incorporated.

The old Victorian tea room which should see the balcony doors in soon. This is going to be a luxurious post treatment relaxation room with a balcony over looking the pool.

The major contractors are getting on with it despite the poor wet weather and cold conditions over Christmas, working twice as fast to keep warm, the basics of the plans becoming visible. The pool plant rooms, bathrooms, loading bay and restaurant kitchen are all taking shape in the NE corner of the site. This has been done on the dryer days and the spa building when its wet. In the spa build the treatment rooms are up and first fixed with plumbing and electrics. Wall cavities housing heat pump converters are all up.

Non members

A basic CAD image of the pool side lounge and 1st floor restaurant.

The Lido will be open to non members on Monday to Fridays from 1pm - 4pm. An afternoon pass will be £7.50 pp and includes the pool, sauna, steam room, sun deck and access to the cafe lounge. Spa treatments can be booked separately.

The restaurant on the 1st floor will be open to all members and non members all the time. Access to the restaurant will be a separate entrance on Southleigh road. Members will be able to access from the spa.

Memberships

There's a couple of important reasons as to why we're doing memberships available before we've even opened, firstly the interest is very positive and making them available now gives the opportunity for local people to definitely make sure that they will get a membership. As we get nearer to opening the coverage is going to be greater and therefore we can assume that so is the interest. At the moment it's all very local so only fair that locals can have the first refusal on memberships. The second reason is that founder membership funding will be all important contributions to development costs, so not only are early members guaranteeing membership but also satisfyingly knowing that their contribution is a proud, building block within the development of Britain's oldest and best heated outdoor pool. Grand stuff.
For details on memberships, and there's lots of different ones available to suit all, visit our web site http://www.cliftonlido.com/ memberships at the bottom of the home page.
Since the open day and with good old word of mouth membership applications have been hitting the desk almost every day, which is very encouraging. How long left until we reach the 1000 allocations?...

How long will it take?

Soon to be self suspending stairs

Building the Lido...

Well given the shear size of the project and the sensitive complexities that will be carefully monitored by the English heritage and the council planners, this is certainly not going to be a rushed, quick development. I was up on site today and 23 palates of certain sized blocks were being carried onto site, roughly a days work for quite a few labourers! I thought that this project for the time being will only be going as fast as it can as this critical building stage cannot afford to be rushed, the whole build has to be spot on.

In the main reception the builders are piecing together some 3 story self gravitating stairs, which are quite cleaver. Basically the individual steps are shaped that they interlock with each other and are so heavy that once in position they will never move. Sounds great. Trouble is interlocking 3 flights of stairs with each step weighing almost half a tonne, as we've experienced this week, just a couple of mm out and the knock on magnified effect of the wayward 2 mm results in starting again. A frustratingly slow but ever so precise exercise.
So when will the Lido be finished you ask: Major destruction and clear out by the end of Oct 07. Major construction of reception, spa treatment rooms, mechanics, toilets and kitchen rooms, ground floor lounge and first floor restaurant shelled out by March 08. First power supply fixing April, cosmetics and second phase fixing May and June. I don't know exactly but given some hard work and a bit of luck we should be getting our feet wet by next summer, we think.
If you want to gaurentee your little pinkies getting wet, then you will be wanting to join one of the many memberships already available...

Doors Open Day

After a frantically busy open day at the Lido last month organised as a Bristol open doors day by the city council it became very apparent very quickly ( in about 2 and a half hours) that there is already a lot of interest in the Lido. The council for warned us before the open doors day that as one of the bigger sites in Bristol participating that we could probably expect over 1000 visitors. Humbug we thought, humbled we were. After an hour and a half the 500 'blurb' leaflets that we had printed had all been snapped up. Off I sped to get another 1000 copies printed and they went just as quick. On a gloriously sunny Saturday afternoon, over 2500 people turned up to look around this building site. We fully realised the seriousness of interest when the Lord Mayor of Bristol turned up for an impromptu visit. He approved.
After a day of answering questions to what seemed like the world and his wife, it became apparent that there were two main questions, 1. When will it be ready and 2. how can I join??

Builders

Since the planing was granted, preliminary works have been carried out, clearing up and taking out the unwanted to get the site down to the bare bones. We have had to be careful to make sure that every thing has been done to a standard that will keep the listed building planners and council happy as this is a grade 2 historic listed building. Whilst we're going back to the shell we also want to conserve any of the features that have made this a special place since 1849, for example the original pool side changing cubicles are to be preserved and put back fully restored, they're full of character. In the mean time the place looks like a bombs hit it with the contractors firmly both hands on the detonator.. this is the painstaking part of the project that looks ugly but it will all surely but worth it ten fold when its done..

Hedonistic Leisure

The Clifton Lido was GRANTED FULL PLANNING PERMISSION on the 2nd August 2006 for the "Restoration of outdoor pool and associated buildings to provide mixed use development comprising subscription pool and associated spa facilities (with sauna, mud rooms, treatment rooms, meeting rooms etc) and restaurant and poolside bar/lounge".

Work has begun.

THE SITE:
This historic Grade II, Bristol landmark site in the heart of Clifton, originally opened as a lido in 1849, is being sensitively redeveloped by the Glass Boat Co to its former glory with additional treatment rooms and a poolside restaurant; works are to be complete for summer 2008.
The 25m pool will be permanently heated using the latest solar and heat management technology to make it the most eco-friendly lido in the South West of England.

THE AIM:
Lets get this right and state from the word go that the Clifton Lido will not be a place for body building or extreme vanity, the aim is simply to create an environment of decent hedonistic leisure. Here goes..