Key Points
- Hackney Council has commenced a significant year-long upgrade at the West Reservoir Centre in Woodberry Down, aiming to make the open water swimming facility more inclusive, accessible, and environmentally friendly.
- The transformation includes enhancements to accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement, with input from local residents and swimmers.
- The upgrade is part of a broader movement across the UK and beyond, with other open water swimming venues also improving facilities and expanding access for diverse groups, including those with disabilities.
- The 2025 season sees new session formats, improved safety protocols, and increased focus on environmental sustainability at several open water sites.
- The World Aquatics Open Water World Cup and other international championships are shining a spotlight on open water swimming, with upgraded venues and heightened global interest.
- Community feedback and personal experiences highlight the mental and physical health benefits of open water swimming, as well as the importance of maintaining the natural beauty and safety of these “hidden gem” locations.
- The upgrades are expected to set new standards for open water swimming facilities in the UK, with a ripple effect on other sites nationally and internationally.
Work has begun on a transformative upgrade at one of London’s most cherished open water swimming venues, the West Reservoir Centre in Woodberry Down. The project, spearheaded by Hackney Council, is poised to set a new benchmark for inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental stewardship in the world of open water swimming.
What Is the Scope of the Upgrade at the West Reservoir Centre?
As reported by the Hackney Council News Team, the main phase of a year-long upgrade at the West Reservoir Centre has officially commenced. The project aims to enhance the much-loved facility, making it more inclusive for swimmers of all abilities, more accessible for people with disabilities, and more environmentally friendly through sustainable infrastructure improvements.
According to Hackney Council, the upgrade is a response to growing demand for open water swimming and the need to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the benefits of this unique activity. The works will include improved changing facilities, enhanced water quality management, and better access points for swimmers with mobility challenges. The Council emphasises that the transformation is being shaped by feedback from local residents and regular swimmers, ensuring that the facility meets the needs of its diverse user base.
Why Is Inclusivity and Accessibility Central to the Upgrade?
As highlighted by the University of Brighton’s Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, inclusivity is at the heart of recent open water swimming projects across the UK. In a pioneering initiative, the University has collaborated with Sight Support Worthing to co-design swim sessions for visually impaired participants at Sea Lanes Brighton, the UK’s national open water swimming centre.
Dr Sadie Wearing, leading the research, stated,
“Blue spaces have incredible potential to support wellbeing, but access isn’t equal. Nature and wellness spaces are often designed with sight in mind – assuming visual appreciation as the main form of engagement. My research explores how blue spaces can be experienced through touch, sound, rhythm, and movement, but also through the materials and supports that make interdependence possible.”
The West Reservoir Centre’s upgrade echoes this ethos, with Hackney Council confirming that accessibility improvements will include tactile pathways, audio guides, and staff training to better support swimmers with sensory impairments.
How Are Environmental Concerns Being Addressed?
Hackney Council has made sustainability a cornerstone of the West Reservoir Centre upgrade. As detailed in their official announcement, the project will introduce eco-friendly water management systems, energy-efficient lighting, and increased green spaces around the reservoir. These measures are designed to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and protect the local ecosystem, ensuring that the “hidden gem” remains a haven for wildlife as well as swimmers.
This focus on sustainability is mirrored at other open water venues. For example, Aztec Adventure’s Upton Warren site has implemented regular water quality testing and encourages the use of environmentally friendly swimwear and equipment.
What Are the New Features and Safety Measures for Swimmers?
According to Aztec Adventure’s latest update, the 2025 season at Upton Warren introduces several new features aimed at improving swimmer safety and experience. These include:
- Mandatory brightly coloured swim hats for visibility.
- Strong recommendations for tow floats and wetsuits, with wetsuits compulsory below 16°C water temperature.
- Supervised sessions by trained lifeguards on and off the water.
- Online booking only, with no walk-ins permitted, to manage numbers and ensure safety.
The West Reservoir Centre is expected to adopt similar protocols, with Hackney Council promising enhanced lifeguard coverage and improved signage to guide swimmers safely around the reservoir.
How Is the Open Water Swimming Community Responding?
As reported by Lucie Green of Warwickshire World, open water swimming continues to attract new enthusiasts, drawn by the mental and physical health benefits of swimming in natural settings. Green described her experience at Burton Farm’s Redwood Lake as “love at first dip,” noting the clean water, supportive community, and the positive impact on her wellbeing.
Emma Macdonald, founder of a wild swimming retreat in the Hebrides, told Condé Nast Traveller,
“Everyone has a story—whether they are caregivers, parents of children with special needs, or individuals recovering from illness. The relaxed environment ensures no forced conversations or activities, and participants often form WhatsApp groups post-retreat to share swim photos and organise meet-ups.”
These personal accounts underscore the importance of maintaining welcoming, safe, and well-managed open water venues.
What Is the Broader Context for Open Water Swimming Upgrades?
The West Reservoir Centre’s transformation is part of a wider trend, with open water swimming venues across the UK and internationally investing in upgrades and new facilities. The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, for example, will feature a custom-built 1.66km natural water loop at Palawan Green, designed to meet the highest standards for elite competition. The event is expected to draw global attention to the sport and inspire further improvements at local venues.
Sid Cassidy, Chair of the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Technical Committee, stated in a press release,
“With such exceptional World Cup hosts and the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on the horizon, the upcoming season promises to be truly unforgettable for open water swimming.”
What Are the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead?
While the upgrades are widely welcomed, there are challenges to be addressed. As noted by The Reluctant Explorers, popular “hidden gem” sites like Janet’s Foss in the Yorkshire Dales are experiencing overcrowding, which can detract from the natural beauty and tranquillity that make these locations special. The authors advise visitors to arrive early or seek alternative spots to avoid contributing to overcrowding.
Safety remains a paramount concern, with Merseyside Police and other authorities warning of hidden dangers beneath the surface, including debris and strong currents. Enhanced safety protocols and public education are essential to ensure that the growing popularity of open water swimming does not lead to increased accidents.
How Will the Upgrade Impact the Future of Open Water Swimming?
The West Reservoir Centre’s upgrade is expected to serve as a model for other facilities, demonstrating how thoughtful design and community engagement can create accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable open water swimming experiences for all. As the sport continues to grow, the lessons learned from this “hidden gem” will inform future projects across the UK and beyond.
In the words of Hackney Council,
“This transformation is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about building a community where everyone feels welcome, safe, and inspired to take the plunge.”
