Fancy a dip in the Thames? Swimming pool in the middle of the river could open in just two years

  • Heated open-air swimming pool to open on the Thames in two years' time
  • Celebrity backers Tracy Emin and David Walliams speeded the plans along
  • The social enterprise scheme is set to benefit local groups and the elderly
  •  Pools will use sophisticated filtration system to clean polluted river water

By Sean Williams For The Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A swimming pool on the banks of the Thames is one step closer to becoming a reality following lobbying by celebrity backers - with David Walliams saying he will be the first to take a dip.

In two years the Thames Bath Lido, which will sit near Blackfriars Bridge, should open with the backing of a recently launched crowdfunding project.

The plans have moved far quicker than an initial ten-year initiative to clean up the Thames for swimmers with the aid of celebrities such as artist Tracy Emin and David Walliams.

In two years the Thames Bath Lido, which will sit near Blackfriars Bridge, should open with the backing of a recently launched crowdfunding project

In two years the Thames Bath Lido, which will sit near Blackfriars Bridge, should open with the backing of a recently launched crowdfunding project

Floated in 2013 the original idea was conceived by three Londoners who dreamt of bringing the beautiful lakes of Zurich to the capital

Floated in 2013 the original idea was conceived by three Londoners who dreamt of bringing the beautiful lakes of Zurich to the capital

James Lowe (left), Chris Romer-Lee (centre) and Matt Bamford-Bowes (right) originally thought up the Thames Lido 

Walliams has said if the water is clean enough he will be the first to jump in. The Little Britain star has been a vocal champion of open-water swimming since he crossed the English Channel unaided for charity in 2006. He also did a 140-mile charity swim of the Thames in 2011.

Tracy Emin said she couldn't believe how underused the Thames is adding 'If you could swim in the Thames, it'd be incredible'

Professional bodies such as the Royal Academy of Arts, New London Architecture and many others have also pledged their support for the scheme.

The plan is to incorporate two pools, a 25 meter lap pool and a training pool. The baths will also be heated to make them available for use all year around.

Founder of the Kickstarter campaign to launch the lido, Chris Romer-Lee said 'Ever since we first sketched out the original concept for Thames Baths, we have always wanted to build something that benefited the community and allowed them to participate in its creation.

'The latter is one of the reasons why we are launching crowdfunding on Kickstarter. We want Londoners, swimmers and anyone passionate about urban waterways to show their support for this project and what better way than a very public campaign.'

David Walliams, here pictured swimming the Thames in 2011, has said he will be the first to jump in the new pool
Artist Tracy Emin has supported plans for the pool as well as the Royal Academy of Arts and New London Architecture

David Walliams, here pictured swimming the Thames in 2011, has said he will be the first to jump in the new pool

The plan is to incorporate two pools, a 25 meter lap pool and a training pool. The baths will also be heated to make them available for use all year around

The plan is to incorporate two pools, a 25 meter lap pool and a training pool. The baths will also be heated to make them available for use all year around

The two year plan will include a sophisticated filtration system that would turn the fuel drenched Thames into crystal clear water for anyone swimming in the lido

The two year plan will include a sophisticated filtration system that would turn the fuel drenched Thames into crystal clear water for anyone swimming in the lido

Floated in 2013 the original idea was conceived by three Londoners who dreamt of bringing the beautiful lakes of Zurich to the capital.

The original plan was to create a lido that wasn't just for swimmers, but one that would benefit the local community while also creating a haven for wildlife.

The two year plan will include a sophisticated filtration system that would turn the fuel drenched Thames into crystal clear water for anyone swimming in the lido.

The local community is set to be a part of the vision of the project too. The facility will be run as a social enterprise rather than a company dictated by profit. A public space created for the people that use it.

Thames Baths, the Community Interest Company behind the scheme, is hoping to promote the use of the new Lido to local schools and the elderly.

The crowdfunding scheme is hoping to raise a total of £125,000 within 30 days and a donation of £50 will entitle members to 12 swims. Pledging £5,000 will give investors a year's access to the lido and an opportunity to overview the development project.

To donate to the Thames Bath Lido, click here. 

Thames Baths, the Community Interest Company behind the scheme, is hoping to promote the use of the new Lido to local schools and the elderly

Most watched News videos