A ROW has broken out over £12.5million plans to transform Droitwich Spa Lido, with the chair of the town’s place board resigning over the proposals.
Matt Nicol resigned as chair of the Droitwich Spa Place Board after claiming that, while the organisation had supported the initial proposal to invest in the Lido, they had been shut out of the discussions, only being allowed to view a revamped proposal in November 2025.
Councillors agreed in 2024 to redevelop the site, and since then, detailed work has been carried out to finalise the design for the pool.
In his resignation letter addressed to Wychavon Council leader Coun Richard Morris, Mr Nicol said: “The Place Board has never opposed investing in the Lido.
“It is the jewel in the crown of this town.
“What we cannot support is spending £12.5million of taxpayers’ money on a scheme that does not deliver what the town was promised – £4.5million more than the scheme the public voted for in December 2024.
“When the cost goes up by that much, the quality and ambition of what is delivered should go up with it. In this case, it has gone down.”
He claimed the scheme now being proposed does not have the right layout, flow, changing facilities, or a food and beverage offering that reflects either the investment or the vision the public endorsed.
Five other members of the Droitwich Spa Place Board have also stepped down over the same concerns.
Before any final decision is made, Mr Nicol asked that the design be shared publicly so that the people of Droitwich Spa can see what has changed since December 2024 and what is being proposed in its place.
Coun Morris said he was saddened that Mr Nicol had chosen to resign as chair of the place board.
He added that the council had a responsibility to deliver the investment as, with Local Government Reorganisation taking place in April 2028, any significant delay risks losing the opportunity altogether.
Wychavon said the overall vision for the Lido remains unchanged from the one presented to the public during consultation.
The size of the cafe has increased, but it will stay in its current position, rather than relocate to the south end of the site as originally proposed, as doing so would cost considerably more and could have a greater impact on Lido Park.
Instead, a snack kiosk will be added to the south end of the site, which will serve Lido customers as well as users of the park, including the new splash pad.
A new bistro overlooking the pool will also be created on the upper floor of the Art Deco building.
A planning application is expected to be submitted this summer, and it is expected that the new-look Lido will be ready to use by summer 2028.
A final design will be released to the public in the near future.
