Key Points
- A new 50-metre Olympic-sized fresh water lido with outdoor saunas is planned for Canary Wharf in East London, opening summer 2026.
- Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be a floating pool within Eden Dock, currently an open water swimming site.
- The lido will have six lanes, be fully lifeguarded, and 1.3 metres deep with naturally filtered water rated ‘excellent’ by EU Bathing Standards.
- The facility will include a community clubhouse offering fitness classes, talks, and food and drink options.
- Swimming will be available year-round, catering to both casual and hardcore open water swimming enthusiasts.
- The project is led by Sea Lanes, the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre.
- Canary Wharf Group aims to transform the area from a purely financial hub into a multi-use neighbourhood with leisure and wellness amenities.
- The lido is part of efforts to attract more workers and visitors back to Canary Wharf post-pandemic with enhanced recreational offerings.
- Planning permission is being sought from Tower Hamlets council, with local community engagement ongoing.
What is the new lido project in East London?
As reported by the team at Time Out London, a new Olympic-sized lido featuring outdoor saunas is set to open at Canary Wharf in East London by summer 2026. Named Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, this fresh water pool will float within Eden Dock, which has already been popular for open water swimming events during spring and summer. This facility aims to upgrade the current open water experience by providing a permanent swimming pool with lanes and a wooden boardwalk encompassing the swimming area.
Who is behind the development of the new lido?
The project is being developed by Sea Lanes, the team responsible for Sea Lanes Brighton, the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre. Ross Gilbert, director at Sea Lanes, stated their vision is to bring people closer to nature by offering a fully accessible floating fresh water pool that is lifeguarded and open all year round, supported by health, wellbeing, and food and beverage businesses.
What facilities will the lido include?
According to The Independent’s report by Pippa Dale, associate director of arts and events at Canary Wharf Group, the complex will feature:
- A six-lane Olympic-sized pool, 1.3 metres deep, floating in a dock naturally filtered and cut off from the Thames.
- Outdoor saunas (referred to as “hot boxes”).
- A community clubhouse to host fitness classes, talks, and other wellbeing activities.
- Food and drink offerings for visitors.
The pool will be fully lifeguarded and its water quality is consistently rated “excellent” by EU Bathing Standards.
Why is this lido being built at Canary Wharf?
The Canary Wharf Group is making concerted efforts to transform the area from a purely financial district into a vibrant neighbourhood. Amid concerns that remote working and the pandemic’s impact might leave Canary Wharf underused, the group introduced Eden Dock, a waterfront open water swimming venue, and other leisure offerings to attract visitors. In 2024, the precinct saw a record 70 million visitors. This new lido is positioned as a “bold step forward,” blending wellness with urban life, aiming to attract workers and visitors to enjoy recreational and community amenities along with workspaces.
How does the project fit into the local community and environment?
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is designed to open access to swimming in natural waters all year round, improving community wellbeing and engagement. The pool is a floating structure in the dock, beneath Canary Wharf’s iconic high-rise buildings. The natural filtration of the dock water and careful management work alongside the environmental charity Eden Project, which collaborated on the existing Eden Dock open water venue. The development plans are currently undergoing local community consultation as well as submission for planning permission to Tower Hamlets council, reflecting a commitment to public dialogue and impact assessment.
How will the lido compare to other local swimming facilities?
Currently, London Fields Lido, also East London’s outdoor pool, is an established 50m Olympic-size heated pool located in Hackney. However, it is often overcrowded, prompting demand for alternative or additional facilities. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf’s outdoor lido with saunas and year-round access promises to provide a distinct experience by offering fresh water, open water swimming with a club atmosphere and wellness focus.
