Proposed design of floating lido on Regent's Canal unveiled

New plans for a floating lido on London’s Regent’s Canal have been unveiled.

Swim City Basin proposes to create a floating swimming pool in City Road Basin in north London, which is currently not suitable for swimming due to water conditions.

Under the plans, a fresh water lido would be created for swimmers, filtered by a pump which would also heat the lido.

The waterway is owned by the Canal and River Trust and is used by Islington Boat Club.

In a document setting out its proposals, the developer said the lido would “complement and promote the Boat Clubs ongoing use of City Basin as a place for recreation and leisure”.

It proposes to bring the concept to life under an initial temporary five-year consent.

In February 2021, the developer’s initial concept of a three-lane 25m pool, children’s pool, cafe, changing facilities and fitness studio was snubbed by planning officials, who were concerned at the potential impact on the waterway.

In a subsequent June 2022 meeting, the developer put forward a fresh proposal, which also raised concerns about the principle of development in the basin.

Formal plans have yet to be submitted to Islington Council, which would decide the application.

If successful, it would see a floating pool made from a steel tank created on the central London canal.

A spokesperson for Swim City Basin said: “Islington is one of the only London boroughs without an outdoor public swim facility or lido.

“Swim City Basin was launched in 2019 with the sole objective of developing a floating lido in the basin and bringing all the health benefits of outdoor swimming to the local community.”

The concept has achieved agreement from the Canal and River Trust in principle, subject to details.

A formal date for the proposal to be decided has not yet been set.