Plans have been submitted to create the UK's first public floating lido on a 60-metre Dutch barge moored at West India Quay near Canary Wharf in east London. The proposed facility, named the Water Cures Spa, would feature an open-air swimming pool, a sauna, a plunge pool, and office space.
Unlike traditional pools, the water would be naturally filtered and heated from the dock, eliminating the need for chlorine. The design includes surrounding vegetation and floating reed beds to enhance the natural swimming experience.
Similar barge lidos already exist in cities such as Berlin, Paris, New York, and on Lake Como. If approved by Tower Hamlets council, the London lido would also host events including gigs, talks, and wellbeing activities such as yoga.
