Plans for three floating swimming pools on the River Thames could soon become a reality, after the first stage of funding for the project was achieved last month.
The Thames Bath social enterprise raised over Ā£125,000 for the project, which will see a 25m lap pool, a plunge pool and a childrenās paddling pool located on a floating pontoon on the river, which rises and falls with the tide. If given the go-ahead and providing thereās enough funding in place, the lido would sit near Blackfriars Bridge.
Founder Chris Romer-Lee commented: āThe initial Ā£125,000 will set us on the road to getting the Thames Baths built and in the river. The money will help us build the case we need to get planning permission and of course make sure that everyone in London feels a part of it.ā
The pools will be filled with River Thames water filtered through a bespoke filtration system making the water crystal clear. The pools will also be heated making them available for use all year around.
Chris adds: āOur intention is to support local schools and offer free swimming to under 6s in the surrounding local boroughs, plus to the hardy 65+ local swimmers who are keen to keep swimming all year around they will also get to swim cheaply.
āOnce we have planning permission we will be ready to push ahead to create one of the most talked about public spaces in London in 2017.ā
