Canary Wharf Plans Olympic-Sized Lido to Attract Workers Back

Canary Wharf Group plans to build a 50-meter-long lido with saunas, a clubhouse, and a restaurant to attract more workers to the business district. The Olympic-sized pool aims to boost the area's appeal after a rise in people working from home post-Covid. Canary Wharf has seen a recent revival with companies such as HSBC and BBVA committing to the district. The lido, operated by Sea Lanes, is expected to open next summer if it gains planning consent from Tower Hamlets council.

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has submitted a planning application for a unique floating lido in the heart of the East London business district, aiming to attract more workers and visitors back to the area. The proposal, submitted to Tower Hamlets council, includes a 50-meter-long Olympic-sized pool with six lanes, accompanied by saunas, a community clubhouse, and a restaurant. The lido is planned to be operated by Sea Lanes, the team behind the UK's first National Open Water Swimming Centre in Brighton.

The lido is set to float in the Eden Dock, opposite the main entrance to Canary Wharf’s Tube station. The complex is expected to open next summer if planning permission is granted. The fully lifeguarded pool will have a fixed depth of 1.3 meters and will be naturally filtered. The plans, published on Canary Wharf Group’s website, come less than a year after the opening of Eden Dock, which has become a popular open water swimming venue.

Canary Wharf Group has been making efforts to transform the financial hub into a more residential and leisure-oriented neighborhood. The lido is part of these efforts, along with the opening of several restaurants and entertainment options. The area has seen a rise in people working from home post-Covid, prompting CWG to explore inventive ways to boost its appeal. The lido is designed to appeal to both residents and visitors, as well as those working in the area.

The recent revival of Canary Wharf is evident in the commitment of companies such as HSBC and BBVA to the district. HSBC has agreed to remain in the district for at least 15 years, while BBVA has agreed to expand its office space and extend its lease. These developments, along with the lido proposal, have led to a surge in footfall at Canary Wharf’s shopping malls, with 72 million visitors in 2024, rising from 67 million in 2023 and 54 million in 2022 [2].

References:
[1] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/canary-wharf-olympic-lido-plans-b2816456.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/canary-wharf-attempts-lure-home-125609463.html