Tinside Lido, Plymouth Hoe
Location: PL1
Project Value: £4.5M
Status:
Successfully Completed
Project Overview
BluePrint Architectural Workshop successfully provided heritage building consultancy for the restoration of Plymouth's iconic Grade II listed Tinside Lido. This transformative £4.5 million conservation project has safeguarded one of Britain's finest examples of Art Deco architecture for future generations.
Our Role & Expertise
Working in partnership with LHC Design, BluePrint provided specialised conservation expertise throughout RIBA Stages 2 and 3, helping secure planning and listed building consent. Subsequently, we were appointed by Nevada Construction to oversee the Technical and Construction Stages of its repair and conservation, delivering:
- Planning Support (Stage 2): Helped navigate the complex planning process for this Grade II listed landmark, securing all necessary permissions.
- Design Development (Stage 3): Offered expert heritage input during design development to ensure compliance with conservation standards.
- Heritage Assessment: Carried out thorough investigations of both the Art Deco main building and traditional stone structure to assess conditions, defects, and repair needs.
- Technical Design (Stage 4): Conducted detailed investigations to identify defects and produced construction information for internal and external repairs (excluding roofs), respecting the building's Grade II listing.
- Construction Management (Stage 5): Provided on-site supervision to uphold heritage conservation standards throughout the construction process.
- Quality Assurance: Provided specialist oversight, maintaining the integrity of the historic structures while meeting modern durability standards and delivered full architect’s sign-off.

Conservation Challenges Overcome
Art Deco Structure
- Specialist concrete repairs to preserve the distinctive 1935 architectural features.
- Restoration of original teak windows using traditional techniques.
- Conservation of fine bronze elements suited to the coastal marine environment.
Traditional Stone Building
- Repairs using compatible lime mortars with traditional stonemasonry techniques.
- Structural stabilisation respecting historic building methods.
- Restoration of heritage joinery, maintaining the original character.
Coastal Environment Solutions
- Marine-grade conservation treatments for long-term durability.
- Weather-resistant repairs designed for Plymouth's waterfront conditions.
- Integration of future maintenance strategies into the conservation plan.

Project Outcomes
Heritage Preservation Success
- 99% success rate maintained: securing all necessary planning and listed building consents.
- Architectural integrity preserved: maintaining the lido's significance as a Grade II listed Art Deco landmark.
- Quality standards met: delivering conservation work according to Historic England guidelines.
- Future-proofing assured: long-term preservation through appropriate materials and techniques.
Collaborative Excellence
- Seamless integration with LHC Design's new terrace and internal fit-out work.
- Effective risk mitigation achieved through specialist heritage knowledge.
- Construction process executed smoothly with minimal disruption to this prominent Plymouth landmark.

The BluePrint Difference
This project highlights our core strengths in heritage conservation:
- 25 Years' Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Art Deco and traditional building conservation
- Proven Track Record: Contributing to our 99% success rate in planning consent
- Specialist Knowledge: AABC and IHBC-accredited conservation methods
- Local Understanding: Extensive experience with coastal heritage buildings in Devon and Cornwall
Project Legacy
The completed Tinside Lido refurbishment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when specialist heritage knowledge meets ambitious conservation objectives. This £4.5 million investment has:
- Preserved one of Plymouth's most treasured architectural landmarks.
- Demonstrated best practice in restoring Grade II listed buildings.
- Created a model for sensitive conservation in coastal settings.
- Secured the lido's future as a key part of Plymouth's waterfront heritage.
And after all that, in a Keith Moon inspired moment, someone parked a £500k Roller in it!
Expert Heritage Conservation
The successful completion of Tinside Lido showcases BluePrint's ability to deliver complex heritage projects with accuracy and care. Whether planning restoration work on a Grade II listed building or seeking specialist conservation advice for your historic property in Devon or Cornwall, our proven expertise will ensure the success of your project.
Ready to unlock the hidden value of your heritage building? Contact BluePrint Architectural Workshop for expert conservation advice that safeguards your investment while maintaining architectural history.
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