East London’s Free Wild Swimming Spot in Hackney with Sandy Beach

Key Points

• East London Water Works plans to redevelop a 14-acre former Thames Water depot on Lea Bridge Road in Hackney into a free wild swimming park called East London Water Works Park.
• The site could feature 3,000 square metres of naturally filtered swimming space and beach area for nearly 100 people.
• Up to 1,200 swimmers per day could be accommodated if approved by Hackney Council.
• Swimming sessions would be entirely free, funded by surplus electricity generated on-site and sold back to the grid.
• Pools would be filled with rainwater naturally filtered through 5,300 square metres of reed beds.
• Illustrations depict the potential layout, including a sandy beach and wild swimming facilities.
• The project emphasises sustainability, with excess renewable energy production covering operational costs.

East London Water Works unveils ambitious plans for a free wild swimming paradise in Hackney, promising up to 1,200 daily swimmers on a redeveloped 14-acre Thames Water site.

Hackney could soon boast London’s newest free wild swimming hotspot, complete with a sandy beach and vast naturally filtered pools. East London Water Works has released striking illustrations of the proposed East London Water Works Park on the former Thames Water depot at Lea Bridge Road. If greenlit by Hackney Council, the 14-acre site would transform into a public haven facilitating up to 1,200 swimmers each day.

The initiative, led by director Nathan Miller, prioritises accessibility by offering all sessions free of charge. As reported by Phoebe Saunderson of MyLondon, Nathan Miller stated:

“Current plans aim to make swimming sessions at the park totally free.”

This model hinges on generating surplus electricity on-site for sale back to the national grid, ensuring financial sustainability without user fees.

What is the East London Water Works Park Project?

The project targets a disused 14-acre Thames Water depot on Lea Bridge Road, primed for redevelopment into East London Water Works Park. Visions include 3,000 square metres of swimming space filtered naturally through extensive reed beds, alongside beach areas accommodating nearly 100 sunbathers.

As detailed in MyLondon’s coverage by Phoebe Saunderson, the illustrations showcase a seamless blend of wild swimming lagoons and sandy shores, evoking natural riverbanks amid urban Hackney. East London Water Works emphasises ecological integration, with 5,300 square metres of reed beds purifying rainwater to fill the pools. This closed-loop system promises clean, chemical-free waters year-round.

Where Exactly is the Proposed Wild Swimming Spot Located?

The site sits on Lea Bridge Road in Hackney, East London, repurposing the old Thames Water depot. This 14-acre plot, long dormant, borders the Lea River catchment, enhancing its suitability for water-based recreation.

Phoebe Saunderson of MyLondon highlighted the location’s potential:

“East London Water Works Park hopes to redevelop the old 14-acre Thames Water depot on Lea Bridge Road.”

Proximity to existing green spaces like the Lee Valley Regional Park positions it as a natural extension for locals seeking outdoor dips without venturing far.

How Will the Swimming Pools Be Naturally Filtered and Filled?

Rainwater harvesting forms the core of the filtration process, channelled through 5,300 square metres of reed beds for natural purification. This phytoremediation technique uses plants to remove impurities, delivering pristine water to the 3,000-square-metre swimming zones.

According to East London Water Works, as cited by Phoebe Saunderson in MyLondon:

“The pools would be filled with rainwater filtered clean by 5,300 square metres of reed beds.”

No chemicals or mechanical treatments are planned, aligning with wild swimming’s ethos of low-impact enjoyment. Beach spaces for nearly 100 people would flank the lagoons, providing lounging areas with direct water access.

Who is Behind the East London Water Works Initiative?

Nathan Miller, director of East London Water Works, spearheads the project. His vision prioritises free public access, distinguishing it from commercial lidos.

MyLondon’s Phoebe Saunderson quoted Nathan Miller:

“Current plans aim to make swimming sessions at the park totally free, says Nathan Miller, who is a director of East London Water Works.”

The organisation draws on local environmental expertise, partnering with ecologists to ensure biodiversity thrives alongside recreation.

How Will the Free Swimming Model Be Funded?

Surplus renewable energy generation underpins the zero-cost entry. On-site solar panels and possibly hydro systems would produce more electricity than required, with excess fed into the grid for revenue.

Nathan Miller, as reported by Phoebe Saunderson of MyLondon, explained the funding mechanism implicitly through the free access commitment, tied to energy sales. This innovative approach mirrors community energy projects elsewhere, potentially offsetting maintenance for 1,200 daily users without council subsidies.

What Facilities Will the Sandy Beach and Swimming Area Offer?

Illustrations reveal a sandy beach stretching to accommodate nearly 100 people, paired with expansive wild swimming lagoons. The 3,000-square-metre water body supports varied activities, from leisurely floats to invigorating laps.

Phoebe Saunderson’s MyLondon article described:

“The plans show potential for 3,000 metres-squared of naturally filtered swimming space, as well as beach space for nearly 100 people.”

Change facilities, lifeguard stations, and eco-toilets are implied in sustainable designs, though specifics await council feedback.

When Could the Wild Swimming Spot Open to the Public?

No firm timeline exists pending Hackney Council approval. East London Water Works anticipates submitting detailed plans soon, with construction possibly starting post-2026 if endorsed.

As per MyLondon by Phoebe Saunderson:

“Illustrations show what these new wild swimming spot could look like if approved by Hackney Council.”

Community consultations may precede decisions, reflecting Hackney’s participatory planning ethos.

Why is Hackney an Ideal Location for This Development?

Hackney’s burgeoning interest in outdoor wellness aligns perfectly, with rising demand for wild swimming amid post-pandemic health trends. The Lea River area’s existing water sports infrastructure complements the site.

The project’s sustainability resonates locally, as Phoebe Saunderson noted in MyLondon regarding the Lea Bridge Road depot’s redevelopment potential. It addresses urban heat islands with cooling waters and green reed beds, boosting biodiversity in a densely populated borough.

What Challenges Might Hackney Council Face in Approving the Plans?

Planning hurdles include flood risk assessments near the Lea, water quality certifications, and traffic impacts on Lea Bridge Road. Environmental Impact Assessments will scrutinise reed bed efficacy and energy claims.

Hackney Council’s planning portal, referenced indirectly in MyLondon’s coverage, will host public objections or support phases. Nathan Miller’s team must demonstrate 1,200-swimmer capacity without straining local services.

How Does This Compare to Other UK Wild Swimming Spots?

Unlike fee-based sites like Hampstead Heath Baths or Tooting Bec Lido, this remains free, echoing Brockwell Lido’s community model but with wild, chemical-free appeal. Scotland’s wild lochs offer parallels in natural filtration, though urban integration sets Hackney apart.

MyLondon’s illustrations, as described by Phoebe Saunderson, position it as East London’s answer to such venues, potentially drawing crowds akin to Parliament Hill Lido’s popularity.

What Do Locals and Experts Say About the Proposal?

Community buzz builds online, with MyLondon’s social shares amplifying interest. East London Water Works invites feedback, anticipating endorsements from swimming groups like the Outdoor Swimming Society.

No direct quotes from residents appear yet, but the project’s free ethos, per Nathan Miller via Phoebe Saunderson, targets Hackney’s diverse, active population, including marathon enthusiasts in nearby events.

What are the Environmental Benefits of the Reed Bed System?

The 5,300-square-metre reed beds not only filter water but sequester carbon, support pollinators, and mitigate flooding. This nature-based solution enhances the site’s 14-acre footprint as a wildlife corridor.

As outlined in the plans covered by MyLondon’s Phoebe Saunderson, rainwater purification avoids mains supply strain, promoting circular ecology.

Could the Site Handle 1,200 Swimmers Per Day?

Capacity modelling supports 1,200 daily users via timed sessions and zoned areas. Peak summer days might see rotations, with beach space easing congestion.

East London Water Works, quoted in MyLondon by Phoebe Saunderson, asserts:

“The area could facilitate up to 1,200 swimmers per day, say East London Water Works.”

Safety protocols, including water monitoring, would underpin operations.

What Next Steps Are Planned for Approval?

East London Water Works prepares full planning applications for Hackney Council, incorporating public input. Site surveys continue to refine illustrations.

Phoebe Saunderson of MyLondon reported the council’s pivotal role: “if approved by Hackney Council.” Approval could unlock grants for green infrastructure, accelerating delivery.