THE Mayor of Hillingdon and the council formally opened a new facility at Ruislip Lido earlier this week.

The mayor, Councillor John Hensley, opened a new boathouse at the lido as part of an on-going enhancement project on Monday, October 17.

At the opening, council staff taught children from Coteford and Whiteheath Junior Schools about the environment in the new activity area at the site, and took them pond dipping.

The new building retains many of the previous building’s features, including a workshop, kitchen and showering facilities, and is available to hire out by schools and members of the community.

“While we have kept references to the past history of the site, we also must look forward to the future,” the mayor said.

“I am confident and proud that this wonderful new facility will enable future generations of residents to continue to enjoy the beautiful and award winning Lido site.”

The lido first opened in 1933 on the site of a reservoir, but in the 1970s increased admission charges led its popularity to drop.

The council announced plans for the £1million enhancement scheme in 2010, and which were approved in 2012.

The mayor praised the council’s commitment to improving the green environment and for ensuring residents can enjoy high quality and free outdoor facilities and green spaces.