Plans for a heated floating lido on Regent’s Canal in Islington have taken a significant step forward as Swim City Basin seeks public feedback on their proposal. The organization aims to create a floating swimming pool in City Road Basin, a venture first introduced in 2019. The innovative concept involves a fresh water lido that will be naturally filtered and heated using a water source heat pump. Currently, swimming is prohibited in the canal basin due to water quality concerns, making the creation of a safe and sanitary swimming environment a top priority for Swim City Basin.
Regent’s Canal is owned by the Canal & River Trust and is home to the Islington Boat Club. Swim City Basin is confident that their plans for a swimming pool will complement and promote the activities of the boat club, enhancing the recreational opportunities available in the area. The proposal has garnered significant support from the public, with a recent questionnaire at the Angel Canal Festival revealing that 474 respondents were in favor of the lido, while only four individuals expressed opposition.
Islington is one of the few London boroughs lacking an outdoor swimming facility, highlighting the need for initiatives like the floating lido on Regent’s Canal. Swim City Basin presented their vision for a three-lane 25-meter pool with an attached children’s pool, café, changing facilities, and fitness studio during a pre-application meeting with Islington Council in February 2021. However, the council’s planning department raised concerns about the scale of the proposal, prompting Swim City Basin to revise their plans and conduct additional studies on ecology and heritage.
Subheadings:
Public Support and Feedback Addressing Concerns and Revisions Moving Forward with the Proposal
Moving Forward with the Proposal
Despite some improvements to the plan acknowledged by the council in a subsequent pre-planning meeting in 2022, reservations remain about the principle of development in the basin, the scale of the proposals, and potential impacts on the waterway. Swim City Basin is exploring the possibility of obtaining temporary consent for a five-year period to bring the proposal to life, which may involve providing some facilities onshore.
The organization is actively seeking input from the public on their proposals, encouraging individuals to share their thoughts on the Swim City Basin Instagram page or website. By engaging with the community, Swim City Basin hopes to refine their plans and address any concerns raised by stakeholders. The development of a heated floating lido on Regent’s Canal has the potential to transform the area into a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and leisure activities, catering to the diverse needs of residents and visitors alike.
In conclusion, the vision of Swim City Basin to create a floating lido on Regent’s Canal represents an exciting opportunity to enhance the recreational offerings in Islington. With strong public support and ongoing dialogue with the council, the organization is committed to realizing their innovative concept and bringing a unique swimming experience to the community. By addressing concerns, seeking feedback, and exploring temporary consent options, Swim City Basin is paving the way for the development of a sustainable and enjoyable swimming facility in the heart of the city.