A RESTORED Grange Lido could work in partnership with Eden Project North in Morecambe Bay according to Si Bellamy OBE, head of Eden Project International.

Mr Bellamy made the remarks after a visit to the attraction where he met representatives of Save Grange Lido (SGL), the community organisation working to deliver the project, and also Cumbria Tourism managing director Gill Haigh and site owners South Lakeland District Council.

“Sometimes you go somewhere that is too precious to lose," said Mr Bellamy.

"Grange Lido is one of those.

"It is a most remarkable pool in a stunning natural place.

"I’m excited to see the plans and imagine how this could work with Eden Project North.

"I’m up for the first swim!”

Janet Carter of SGL was delighted with the way the visit went and said the Eden Project team, who plan to open the attraction in 2023, had suggested that Grange Lido should re-open at the same time so they could be jointly marketed.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the whole of Morecambe Bay," she said.

"The Eden Project North is a game-changer for the area and a restored lido in Grange could be the jewel in the crown.”

Eden Project North is set to follow in the footsteps of the hugely successful Cornwall attraction, which opened in 2001.

The eco-friendly tourist attraction will be based in Morecambe, and will celebrate and promote the whole of Morecambe Bay.

The open-air swimming pool at Grange was opened in 1932 but has been derelict since it closed in 1993.

South Lakeland District Council is to spend £2 million on the phase one restoration of the buildings.

SGL, which formed in 2011, are working towards raising funds for phase two which involves the renovation of the Grade II listed pool and the development of gym, spa and restaurant facilities.

They recently launched a Friends of Grange Lido scheme to support the project, which you can join by visiting www.savegrangelido.co.uk/friends.