As we plummet further into the dark depths of winter, it’s hard to imagine that anybody would ever voluntarily submerge themselves in open water in London. But for those that love an al-fresco dip, I come bearing some news that will be right up your street swim-lane. A brand new outdoor, natural-water swimming pool will be wading into the capital city this summer, and it’s set to be open 364 days a year.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
The new pool on the block will arrive in Canary Wharf’s Eden Dock, courtesy of Sea Lanes (the brains behind the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre down in Brighton). Amongst the skyscrapers and stroppy commuters, Londoners will be able to swim in the crystal-clear water, letting the chaos of the capital city melt away from them as they do so.
Alongside the 50-metre, six-lane, floating pool, the approved plans also feature two saunas (both of which will be powered by 100% renewable energy), a community clubhouse (that’ll host plenty of year-round wellness events), an exciting food and drink offering (for refueling and rehydrating post-swim), and a store (that’ll come complete with a wetsuit concierge service).
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will offer both pay-as-you-swim and membership options, and swimmers of all ages and competencies will be welcome to take a dip. The floating lido will perfectly compliment the recent regeneration of Eden Dock, offering us city-dwellers the chance to swim in natural water, in the heart of the city.
Now, I know what you’re all thinking. Is it actually safe to swim in Canary Wharf? And the answer is… absolutely. The water at Eden Dock is regularly tested to ensure it meets the EU Bathing Standards, and it’s consistently rated as ‘excellent’.
Joe McNulty, Director at Sea Lanes, said: “We’re thrilled to bring a National Open Water Swimming Centre to the heart of Canary Wharf, offering Londoners a chance to swim in natural water. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be more than just a swimming pool – it will be an urban oasis for health and wellbeing all set within the green and biodiverse waterfront of Eden Dock. We’re excited to create a space where Londoners can connect with nature, their community, and themselves.”
Shobi Khan, CEO at CWG, said: “Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will build on the success of Eden Dock as a unique wellness destination, where access to nature, leisure and world-class amenities are seamlessly integrated.”
Construction will start early this year, and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is set to open this summer. You can find out more here.