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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.

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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.

For more on lidos, this one in the UK was forced to close in 2023 but it is set to reopen soon.

Plus, this UK island has fairy pools that you can swim in – and nearby camping for £6.

Fans of supernatural mysteries should add it to their watchlist immediately

An ‘unnerving’ historical drama is coming soon to Netflix and fans of K-dramas, supernatural mysteries and historical period shows are sure to want to add this upcoming title to their watchlist immediately.

Netflix’s Tudum website has confirmed that The East Palace will be released on the streamer some time this year. While there is no confirmed release date just yet, filming finished last summer and it is expected later in 2026.

There’s no official word on how many episodes it will consist of either but its expected to consist of eight parts. However, we do know that The East Palace follows Gu-cheon, who moves between the realms of the living and the dead, and Saeng-gang, a lady of the court guarding a secret of her own.

When the king calls on them to unravel the mysteries of the palace, they’re drawn into a world where power, hidden histories, and restless spirits are bound together by a dangerous curse.

Fans are also awaiting the first official trailer to be released by Netflix. It is set to be just part of an impressive K-dramas making their debut this year.

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Gu-cheon investigates unnerving incidents at the palace with a blade that can cut down ghosts. While Saeng-gang holds the ability to hear the voices of the dead aids Gu-cheon as they navigate the palace’s long-buried secrets.

Quietly watching their every move from the throne is the king, played, whose motives are complex and hard to ascertain. The show comes from writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jea-won, who have previous experience of examining Korean occultism in their previous work which includes Bulgasal: Immortal Souls and The Guest.

They are joined on the creative team by director Choi Jung-kyu (The Devil Judge, Children of Nobody) to bring the supernatural drama to life. While Netflix has so far confirmed the stars taking on the three main roles in the cast.

Nam Joo Hyuk plays Gu Cheon. The actor has previously starred in three Netflix K-dramas, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Start-Up, and The School Nurse Files. In 2023, he also starred in the Disney+ K-drama Vigilante.

Roh Yoon Seo plays Saeng Gang. The actress was recently featured in a guest role on Netflix’s The Frog and Love Next Door. She also starred in supporting roles in Black Knight and a Crash Course in Romance. Her role as Saeng Gang is her second lead role in a K-drama, following her starring role in 2022’s Our Blues.

Cho Seung Woo plays the King. The actor has starred in several Netflix projects such as Divorce Attorney Shin, Sisyphus: The Myth, Stranger, and Life.

The East Palace is streaming on Netflix some time in 2026.