Plans for a floating lido in Canary Wharf have been announced – offering open air swimming throughout the year – tipped to open in 2026. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is envisaged as a natural water lido in Eden Dock, and will include saunas and a community clubhouse serving food and drinks.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be built and run by Sea Lanes, which already hosts the UK’s first national open water swimming centre at Sea Lanes Brighton. Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is supporting the application, due to be submitted to Tower Hamlets Council in September, to complement the recent regeneration of Eden Dock.
The fully lifeguarded six-lane, 50m-long lido will have a fixed depth of 1.3 m and will float in the dock, allowing for immersion in “perfectly clear” natural water. Cut off from the River Thames and naturally filtered, the water quality in Eden Dock is consistently rated “Excellent” by EU Bathing Standards and is popular with open water swimmers across the UK.
Ross Gilbert, director at Sea Lanes, said: “Sea Lanes is excited to be partnering with Canary Wharf Group on proposals for a new National Open Water Swimming Centre in the heart of Canary Wharf, building on the fantastic work already accomplished in the neighbourhood to open up Eden Dock for everyone to enjoy. Our vision is to bring people and nature closer together by offering a fully accessible floating freshwater pool, lifeguarded and open year-round, supported by a hub of health, wellbeing and food and beverage businesses.
“We are excited to hear what the local community have to say about our proposals.”
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will provide an opportunity for Londoners to swim and connect with the environment in the heart of London. Proposals include plans for saunas, a community clubhouse playing host to fitness classes, talks and community events, a restaurant and verdant planting amongst beautifully designed courtyard seating.
Shobi Khan, CEO at CWG, said: “Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will build on the success of Eden Dock as a unique wellness destination, where access to nature, leisure and world-class amenities are seamlessly integrated.”
Pippa Dale, associate director of arts and events at CWG, added: “We’re excited to enter the public consultation stage of Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, marking the next iteration of our much-loved open water swimming offering at Eden Dock.
“Natural water, open-air swimming offers proven benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing – from improved circulation and stress reduction to enhanced mood and resilience.
“By creating this dedicated swimming destination, we’re bringing these transformative health benefits directly to our community of residents, workers and visitors, making the therapeutic power of swimming accessible year-round in the heart of Canary Wharf.”
Created in partnership with education and social justice charity the Eden Project, Eden Dock is an ‘urban oasis’ in the heart of Canary Wharf. The transformed dock is now a haven for lush planting and wildlife, offering a calm space for people to connect with the water through activities such as open water swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking or on the water’s edge with live cultural performances.
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