World of Water closure date confirmed ahead of Lidl build

Despite requiring multiple rounds of amendments and being deferred twice by Three Rivers District Council, plans to build a Lidl at the Hunton Bridge World of Water site, off the A41, were approved in March.

From that point it was clear that the aquatic centre would have to close, but it was able to negotiate a bit more time as the supermarket got everything in order.

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It has now been confirmed that World of Water will shut on September 30 after beginning a closing down sale next Monday (August 26). The offer includes 20 per cent off everything and 50 per cent off select items.

“The staff would like to thank all our customers past and present for their support since we first opened the doors way back in 2003,” the store manager added. 

“Our nearest stores can now be found at Crews Hill in Enfield and at Bicester Avenue Garden Centre, Bicester.”

World of Water Aquatics, which would be demolished if plans go ahead. (Image: Google Maps)

The Hunton Bridge location is the largest supplier of pond and aquarium equipment in Hertfordshire and specialises in the sale of ponds, koi, water features and tropical aquariums.

Plans to knock it down for a 1,457-square-metre supermarket (around the size of a hockey rink) were first submitted in 2022, after Lidl exchanged contracts on the land that year.

The process was delayed by concerns over how it would be accessed. The right-turn across the busy A41 dual carriageway was the key concern in terms of potential accidents.

The World of Water site, roundabout, and A41 from above. (Image: Google Maps)

The final arrangement was to reconfigure the existing way in to make the access road a minimum width of 7.3 metres until reaching the car parking area, and move a pedestrian crossing so that a “ghost island” right turning lane could be created.

The completed store is set to offer a 98-space car park for staff and customers. Solar panels will be installed on the flat roof and woodland planting will be installed to screen the single-storey store from the road.