Friends of Otley Lido

Friends of Otley Lido is a Community Interest Company committed to, and focussed on, a heritage regeneration of the former Otley Baths. We have secured widespread community, political and business support.

Vision – Our Aspirations:

Rediscovering the unique heritage and joy of our historic outdoor pool – on the banks of the beautiful River Wharfe in Wharfemeadows Park – reinvented for the 21st century: to inspire and contribute to a vibrant, connected and synergistic Otley Riverside boosting health, wellbeing and prosperity.

Mission – How We Shall Achieve Our Aspirations:

Reinstate the derelict Otley Baths as a – sustainable, vibrant, year-round, riverside, centrepiece – community, health and wellness hub offering:

➢ A heated outdoor pool, splash pad, multi-purpose spaces, café and a home for Wharfemeadows Bowling Club

➢ A broad range of affordable and inclusive activities, events and spaces for hire spanning community, health, wellbeing, social, arts, cultural and corporate

And which:

➢ Connects existing riverside resources, creates synergies and new opportunities

➢ Connects people with each other and to the beautiful riverside setting

➢ Acts as a catalyst for, and is complementary to, wider initiatives and regeneration in Otley Riverside and the local area.

In January 2025, FMG Consulting in partnership with Saunders Boston Architects completed a feasibility study and outline business plan. This established a feasible and viable plan to sustain a heated pool – open seasonally for six months of the year – as the centrepiece of a year-round community, health and wellness hub. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from key stakeholders.

Our inclusive vision would contribute to a vibrant Otley Riverside. It encourages and supports use of the riverside through augmenting the existing resources and enhancing the user experience including via a welcoming, free to access community hub – comprising café, riverside terrace and WCs.