Canary Wharf has launched a new swimming venue in a former dock, for locals and office workers in Canary Wharf to cool off.
The 220-year-old Middle Dock, were once loaded with exports, will now have 600 square metres of open water. It will be against the backdrop of the One Canada Square and Newfoundland apartment block skyscrapers.
It is open until the end of September and will be overseen by lifeguards.
The initiative has launched in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, swimming operator Love Open Water and NOWCA, the UK’s largest network of safe open water venues.
Canary Wharf CEO Shobi Khan said: ‘Canary Wharf has more than 20 acres of parks, gardens and squares and a key objective is to open up the water for our residents, visitors and business customers.’
Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust Regional Director for London & South East said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Canary Wharf Group to licence an area of London Docklands where people can experience wild swimming safely under the supervision of lifeguards and where the water quality will be routinely tested.”
Excited on Saturday in E14 I was with a swim planned in Middle Dock the new open water swimming venue. The experience was more than I had bargained for. Run superbly by Love Open Water & NOWCA the atmosphere was fabulous. Swimmers of all levels took the plunge into Middle Dock – initially colder than anticipated. After swimming 400 metres an enjoyable chat was had with fellow attendees all excited by this new development followed by a glass of cremant The Humble Grape. I am back this Friday.