Strictly speaking this entry should be for the Ladies Open Air Baths but I am including information for the adjacent and earlier mens pool that is now filled in.

The pool was used by a local sub-aqua club in the 1990’s which probably prevented an early demolition. It nearly became an hotel in 2009 before the council changed their mind and gave a local group the opportunity to work up a proposal for refurbishment.

Works to the derelict pool began in 2015 and it was eventually re-opened in 2017 albeit as a different type of facility.

NameKings Meadow Bath aka Thames Lido
Napier Rd, Reading RG1 8FR
Built / openedMens pool opened 1879
Ladies pool opened1902 by Mayoress Mrs Holland Bull
Cost £4,890
DimensionsMens pool 260′ x 80′
Ladies pool 120′ x 45′
Capacity
Water typeOriginally fed from adjacent River Thames but changed to mains in the 1950’s
Depth(s)3′ to 6′
Diving boards
Changing facilities
Second poolN/A
Spectator seating
DesignerJohn Bowen, Borough Engineer and Surveyor
Date closedMens pool circa 1955
Ladies pool 1974, re-opened 2017
StatusOpen
On site nowThe pool
NotesListed 25th August 2004
LinksThames Lido – An urban retreat located in Reading
Thames Lido | Award Winning Oasis in Reading (youtube.com)
Kings Meadow swimming pool open day 2008 (youtube.com)

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