A new carbon-neutral outdoor pool and luxurious gym will open in Leeds after crowdfunder to restore Otley Lido
Friends of Otley Lido have raised £53,000 to restore the former pool space into an eco-friendly pool, gym and restaurant with river terrace after being closed for 30 years.
The not-for-profit Lido will be restored with a heated pool and retractable roof, restaurant, river terrace and 'high end' gym.
Friends of Otley Lido have confirmed that they have raised £53,000, the finances necessary to start restoring the pool to its former glory.
The plans to rebuild the Otley Lido come after years of fundraising, but this was the organisers' final push to restore the lido.
After launching a crowdfunder to bring back the once popular Lido, the organisers have been inundated with donations made met their target, allowing plans to progress.
Plans for the new Otley Lido can now get underway after their crowdfunding success. / Image: Friends of Otley Lido
First site surveys will be conducted to plan out the restoration project. Once this has been completed, organisers can apply for grants to cover the rest of the costs.
The idea is that as Leeds City Council officially own the original site near Wharfemeadows Park, they will lease out the area for 125 years so that the pool can open as a not-for-profit.
The council have already agreed to the proposal and this will help to keep the pool affordable to visitors upon reopening.
The original Lido closed down in the 1990s after a pumping fault was never fixed and in the height of indoor pool popularity, the council diverted their funds accordingly.
The pool will look very different than this old postcard upon restoration. / Image: Friends of Otley Lido
The pool had been open since 1924 and will receive a full makeover for its reopening almost a century later.
Plans for the Lido are entirely sustainable too.
The carbon-neutral venue will have geothermal energy, solar panels and even the gym equipment will create power to heat up the 30-metre outdoor pool.
Organisers hope to make the restoration accessible for families, schools, elderly people, triathlon clubs and those with disabilities.
Both Sports England and Otley Town Council have offered to support with grants if their crowdfunding target was met so it is hoped that this will now swing into action, and we will get to see the new-and-improved Lido soon.
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Sophie Smith -
2nd November 2021 
