A floating lido might be coming to Islington’s City Road Basingiving Londoners the chance to finally swim in Regents Canal in a safe, legal, and sanitary way. Proposed by Swim City Basin, the project aims to transform this section of the canal into a floating, freshwater swimming pool.
The proposal has seen a widely positive response from locals, who are currently advocating for this project’s development. Looks like it’s working too, as official renderings of the lido have surfaced online.
This new initiative aims to bring outdoor swimming to a borough that presently doesn’t possess one of London’s iconic lidos, offering a refreshing escape in the heart of the Islington district.
The lido would be filtered and heated using sustainable methods, with designs that integrate well with the existing waterway, which is currently owned by the Canal & River Trust.
The project hasn’t progressed without concerns though, as planning officials raised arguments over the impact on the canal and its surroundings.
This hasn’t stopped the widespread public support from locals though, with a large majority backing the lido, and initiatives to help serve the community, as well as protect the canal.
If the plans are approved, the lido would operate under a five-year temporary consent, potentially becoming a beloved fixture for outdoor swim enthusiasts in the area, and will be located on the City Road Basin, along the Regents Canal halfway between Angel and Old Street stations.
So, if you’re in Islington and are forever dreaming of an outdoor dip, this proposal could soon make that a reality. You can also have your say in the project by visiting the Swim City Basin website.
In fact, they need the input and support to help with the project’s fruition, to guarantee the community’s satisfaction with the finished result. Click here to have your say, and we’ll keep you posted as more information drops.
