A huge outdoor swimming pool is due to open to the public in Yorkshire next summer, just over an hour away from Leeds.
After being shut for 25 years, the long-empty Albert Avenue Pools lido in Hull is set to be given a new lease of life ready for summer 2023.
A planned £4million upgrade to the site that houses the open-air swimming pool will see the addition of a new gym and fitness studio, as well as an update to the current building's infrastructure.
A grassy picnic area is also planned for the site alongside the refurbished, elevated outdoor pool, which will be surrounded by sun loungers, umbrellas and tables.
Further CGis provided by the architects behind the project also show a dedicated child's water play area with fountains shooting out from the ground.
The refurbishment follows that of another popular swimming pool in Hull, the recently-restored Edwardian Beverley Road Baths.
First opened in 1905, it was closed since June 2020 whilst work was underway. The pool then reopened in summer 2021 following a £3.75m overhaul that saw a new roof and refurbished windows installed at the Grade-II listed site.
Evidently, the council is putting a lot of money into restoring these public facilities - and, according to Councillor Daren Hale, the Leader of Hull City Council, this new project is the 'final piece' of the puzzle.
Speaking on the project Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this project get underway – the final piece in our city-wide leisure investment puzzle.
"The jewel in the crown being the new lido which I already know will attract visitors from across the region.
“Facilities like lidos are often something people think are the preserve of the middle class, this area has 60% of homes that are technically classed as being within a deprivation category.
"People in west Hull will have a fantastic international standard facility on their doorstep once the project is completed, it will be a short walk or bus ride for so many families.
“I’m really excited to see the lido completed in the summer of 203 and I’m sure it’ll be an attraction for the whole of Hull.”
General Manager, of Hull Esteem, Gavin Barley added: “Getting the green-light on such a multi-faceted project to transform Albert Avenue Pools is a huge deal for all parties involved and we’re delighted to be working with Hobson and Porter once again to improve an important leisure facility for the community.
“Forming part of Hull City Council’s £18.5 million investment into leisure facilities across the city, it will not only be a massive benefit to the local area once complete, but we’re sure it will become an attraction for those visiting our city.”
The Albert Avenue Pools is closed for refurbishment and will reopen in spring 2023 once work has been completed.
Feature image - Hodson Architects
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Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Georgina Pellant -
24th March 2022 
