London Fields Lido Poolside Lighting

Since opening in October 2006 the use of London Fields Lido has increased by almost 50%.

Because it is heated the lido is open all year round although the opening and closing times are determined by seasonal variations in daylight hours. During summer months swimming begins at 06.30 on weekdays and the pool closes at 20.00. However the opening hours get progressively shorter as Autumn and Winter close in – 08.00 – 16.00.

Since 2007 an increasing number of swimmers have expressed frustration at the short opening hours. A 06.30 start enables people to swim before work while later evening closing provides the opportunity to swim on their way home. Many swimmers find it impossible to use the lido during the winter months simply because they cannot fit it into their daily work schedule. Over these three years there has been consistent support for an ongoing campaign for the installation of poolside lighting to allow lido opening hours to remain constant all year round.

Representatives from the London Fields Lido User Group (LFLUG) have met with council officials to discuss the feasibility of such a proposal. One of our swimmers is an architect who specialises in lighting. She has drawn up two alternative schemes which the council has agreed to consider once we have produced technical and financial viability.

One proposal is a combination of underwater lighting and low-level bollard lights around the poolside. The second uses directional floodlights on 8m poles. Neither of the schemes involves the use of very tall stadium style floodlights or lights outside the lido building.

Part of our proposal will involve demonstrating that there is a considerable demand for lighting the pool
and for this we do need the support of all lido users, not just LFLUG members. (Of which there are now over 250). If you are in favour of extended opening hours in the winter months facilitated by poolside lighting please sign the petition.