WILD swimming has become increasingly popular with Brits across the country who head down to lakes, ponds and the beach for a cold dip.
Now, another addition could be on the cards – and if plans go ahead, this swim spot would be the first of its kind in the world.
There are plans for a former London gasholder site to be turned into a new wild swimming pond that’s likely to become a very popular spot with the locals.
The Grade II listed site in Southwark sits on Old Kent Road and hasn’t been used since 1953.
However, Southwark Council bought much of the land in 2017 for £15 million and have big plans for the area.
Its new proposals are to create a cold water swimming spot in the centre of the historic structure that was once the world’s biggest gasworks site.
So there would be no need to change the structure.
If this goes ahead, the project would also see a natural reed-based filtration system built to keep the pool water fresh.
Plans have also proposed a café, shop, and changing rooms which would pay towards the pool’s upkeep.
The development is set to be renamed Livesey Park after gasworks pioneer George Livesey.
Southwark Labour Councillor Helen Dennis told Southwark News: “The idea for a wild swimming pond in the planned Livesey Park is at an early stage but would transform the area with such an exciting and unique offer, and is a good example of what can be made possible through investment and contributions from developers.
“We are determined for the Old Kent Road regeneration to deliver a greener and healthier neighbourhood, ensuring that development results in new and improved parks and community facilities.”
Before work begins there will be more detailed proposals and consultation on the project.
Development would begin at the earliest in 2027 or 2028.
It’s not the first time that an idea has been proposed for the site.
Back in 2020, a developer wanted to build London’s first alligator park there, as reported by Southwark News.
Inside the gasholder would be a pool for alligators that went 20metres deep, and the frame of the gasholder would be made of glass to create a ‘Florida-like’ feel.
Similarly, some of the former gasworks sites in London are currently, or are set to go through a transformation.
The Bromley-by-Bow gasworks received planning permission for a revamp in March 2025.
The seven huge structures in the district won’t be destroyed but instead will be converted.
The site will have over 2,000 homes, with 70 per cent of the site being open space, there will be a 4.2-acre park full of wildflowers overlooking the River Lea.
The Grade II-listed gasworks structures were built between 1870 and 1882 and officially closed in 1976.
The development of the site will mean this is the first time the gasworks will be open to the public in over 150 years.
The gasworks in Bethnal Green is another that’s undergoing redevelopment – construction here started in August 2022.
The Bethnal Green project includes 555 homes, and 45,000 square feet of ground floor commercial and community space.
There will also be a 1.7-acre public park, green areas by the canal along with new pedestrian and cycle routes.
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