Wapping Lido

Wapping, London

Together with the Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre and the Turk’s Head Charity, we have developed proposals for a 50m lido in Shadwell Basin.

A development for community benefit featuring the UK’s first 50m public natural swimming pool. The old Brussels Wharf dock will be converted into an Olympic length natural swimming pool to EU standards, with integrated kids pool, beach area and a café-restaurant along the central square, run on renewable energy from heat pumps and solar panels.
This development will revitalise the Shadwell Basin area transforming it into a focal point for the community, attracting a diversity of uses and events. Avoiding the violent washes and huge tidal ranges of the river Thames and using the calm and security of one of it’s old docks, the Lido is directly connected to London’s river and Wapping’s maritime history.

A new footbridge will improve level access around the basin and provide a direct connection between Brussels Wharf and the proposed wetland park area including a children's science deck and extra fishing pitches.

By introducing large areas of filtering reed beds and planting, a wetland area will be created which will enhance the water quality and biodiversity of the dock / basin as a whole. It will provide a link between Wapping Woods and the King Edward Memorial Park, creating a green ecological corridor in the centre of London City, providing a habitat for a diversity of wildlife and an enhanced park area for the community.

The proposals were granted full Planning Permission in August 2017 and the first phase Canoe Polo Court was completed in July 2020. We’re looking forwards to the next stages of getting these exciting proposals realised.