Have your say: council consults on plans for London Fields Lido teaching pool

Poolside: Plans for new teaching pool at London Fields Lido. Image credit: FaulknerBrowns Architects, free for use by partners of BBC news wire service

Fledgling swimmers could make a splash in a new teaching pool at one of London’s most popular leisure centres.

Hackney Council has unveiled designs for the indoor teaching pool on the site of a paddling pool at London Fields Lido.

It is asking for feedback from swimmers and those who might like to put a toe in the water.

The 50m heated open air pool has more than 340, 000 visitors a year.

The council will make a planning application later this year to build the three-metre by seven-metre teaching pool. It will have a hoist, accessible toilets, a moveable floor and viewing gallery.

Architects FaulknerBrowns said the design will use brick to match the original building “so the new extension will blend seamlessly into its surroundings.”

The design also includes new changing rooms.

There would also be a  new electrical substation on the west side of London Fields  to provide  power for the existing Lido building and the new extension. It would replace the current electrical supply.

According to the council’s timetable, if it wins planning permission in May, work could start later this year and the teaching pool could open in autumn 2024.

The tennis courts on Richmond Road will be closed throughout  the building work and players will be asked to use alternative courts at Hackney Downs and Haggerston Park. The courts will get resurfaced as part of the project.

A consultation form asks people if they support the proposed teaching pool, layout and facilities.

The council’s consultation ends on 29 March.

It is holding its next drop-in session at the Lido to show the plans between 11am and 2pm on Saturday 25 March.