Voices from the community are buzzing with excitement as London prepares to welcome its first floating lido, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, which is set to open this Friday. The facility, located in the northwest corner of Eden Dock, features a 50-meter unheated swimming pool designed to provide a unique aquatic experience for swimmers year-round.
The pool, which boasts six lanes and is Olympic-sized, is being promoted as an urban oasis aimed at enhancing wellbeing. Visitors will have the opportunity to swim, unwind, and reconnect with the water in a safe environment.
Developed by Sea Lanes Brighton in collaboration with CWG, the facility will be managed by South Downs Leisure, offering both membership options and pay-per-swim access. Joe McNulty, Director of Sea Lanes, emphasized the growing interest in outdoor swimming, stating,
“Sea Lanes Canary Wharf provides the freedom of open water swimming with the safety and structure of a pool, helping swimmers of all abilities build confidence before exploring wider outdoor swimming opportunities.”
Facility Features and Benefits
The unheated pool will be filled with filtered dock water that is continuously monitored to ensure it meets the „Excellent“ EU Bathing Standards. Open 364 days a year, the facility will also feature two wood-fired outdoor saunas powered entirely by renewable energy, enhancing the wellness experience for visitors.
In addition to swimming, a clubhouse and dining area will be available for guests to enjoy refreshments after their swim. Later this year, Sea Lanes plans to expand the offerings at Eden Dock to include non-lane open water swimming, paddleboarding, free diving, surf-fit sessions, and winter scuba programs.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Deputy Mayor of London, Mete Coban, MBE, expressed enthusiasm for the new facility, stating,
“Sea Lanes Canary Wharf provides a fantastic new open swimming opportunity for Londoners and visitors in the heart of our city.”
He highlighted the city’s commitment to transforming its waterways, improving biodiversity, and creating more accessible blue spaces for relaxation and recreation.
According to Swim England, outdoor swimming is increasingly popular, with approximately 6.81 million people participating each year, including 2.45 million who swim in open water. This trend underscores the demand for facilities like Sea Lanes.
Stuart Fyfe, Managing Director of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure at CWG, remarked on the significance of the new lido, stating,
“Canary Wharf is thrilled to welcome Sea Lanes as the next bold step in enhancing our blue and green spaces, adding to our district’s exceptional wellness offering.”
He noted that the lido will serve as an inclusive community hub, catering to everyone from competitive swimmers to those seeking a leisurely day in the sun.
Operational Details
Sea Lanes will operate Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 9 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 7 PM, providing ample opportunity for both early risers and weekend visitors to enjoy the new facility.
- Location: Eden Dock, Canary Wharf
- Pool Size: 50-meter unheated, six-lane
- Open Days: 364 days a year
- Management: South Downs Leisure
- Additional Features: Wood-fired saunas, clubhouse, dining area
- Future Activities: Paddleboarding, free diving, surf-fit sessions
As the opening day approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a transformative addition to London’s recreational landscape.
Quellen: standard.co.uk
Bildquelle: KI generiert
