A new indoor training pool is set to be opened alongside the popular London Fields Lido.
The plans will see a 13m x 7m indoor training pool take the place of an old, decommissioned paddling pool, as well as the construction of accessible toilets, a moveable floor and a viewing gallery.
It will be designed by architects FaulknerBrowns – who previously worked with Hackney Council on the nearby Britannia Leisure Centre.
Hackney Council say the popular outdoor lido will remain open during the construction phase.
With queues stretching for hours during summer, the council hope the training pool will make swimming more accessible to a wider section of the community, improve programme opportunities and increase participation in the sport.
The plans say protective shrubs will provide passive security measures for the new teaching pool building while maintaining a visual connection to London Fields.
Opened in 1932, and saved from ruin by community petition after 18 years of campaigning when funding cuts closed it in 1988, the spruced-up hotspot re-opened in 2006, and is now open year-round, sun or snow, rain or shine.
The old indoor paddling pool was closed on health and safety grounds in 2020.
London Fields Lido saw over 340,000 visitors last year take part in swimming lessons, fitness sessions and lane swimming as well as using the café, sundeck and sunbathing area.
If you’re a Hackney resident and want your say on the plans, you can access the online survey here.
The feedback will be used to fine-tune the scheme prior to the submission of the planning application later in the year.
