This south London gasholder could be turned into a public swimming pool

In a first for the city, a wild swimming spot could open inside one of south London’s iconic Grade II-listed gasholders. Within a few years London’s outdoor swimming enthusiasts (we know there are a lot of them) could be practicing their Wim Hof method in the Old Kent Road gasworks, which would be renamed Livesey Park. 

Southwark Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee revealed its plans to transform the site, calling the proposals ‘unlike anything else seen in Europe’. 

The project would divide the historic gasworks in two, building a cold water swimming pool in one half and a natural reed-based filtration system in the other half, keeping water for the pool fresh, while a café, shop, and changing rooms would provide refreshments and pay for the pool’s upkeep.

At one point the largest gasworks in the world, the Old Kent Road structures were built by engineer Sir George Livesey in the late 1800s but have been disused since 1953. They were bought by Southwark Council in 2017 for £15 million.  

The wild swimming pool would allow the Grade II-listed metal circular structure to remain while also utilising what was once a deep-water tank on the site for the pool. If built, it would be the world’s only outdoor swimming spot at a gasworks.

Southwark Labour Councillor Helen Dennis said: ‘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.’

The new Livesey Park is part of the wider Old Kent Road regeneration project which aims to provide 20,000 homes across Southwark and southeast London as well as two more parks. 

Dennis stressed that the plans are still in their very early stages and that there would be a local consultation before any development could begin in 2027 or 2028. 

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