London Fields Lido to extend opening hours

Swimmers enjoying the heated London Fields Lido on a winter day Pic: Peter Smith

The London Fields Lido is being refurbished with increased lighting facilities in order to extend opening hours in the upcoming winter months.

The heated outdoor pool will be outfitted with new floodlight columns to grant swimmers year-round access between the hours of 6:30am and 9pm beginning in December.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: “We talked to Lido users about how we could improve what has quickly become a much-loved borough asset…The overwhelming response was that people wanted to swim more often, later into the year, and before and after work or into the evenings – the floodlights mean residents will now be able to do this.”

The £150,000 plan, which was approved in May, will also see lighting fixtures installed near the entrance and cycle rack area, as well as in changing cubicles. Energy efficient bulbs will now be used to light the pool underwater, while special care has been taken to minimise light pollution for nearby residents.

The work, which is expected to continue until November 30, will not impact the availability of the pool. In the meantime, any amendments and disruptions will be announced via Twitter.

The London Fields Lido was restored and reopened in 2004 after more than a decade of disuse. The lido, in addition to its swimming facilities, has a sun terrace and cafe. It has hosted several festivals and is the subject of the photography book East London Swimmers published by Hoxton Mini Press.

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