What is the East London Waterworks Park project?

It's a charity project aiming to create a biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds and a sandy beach in East London.

When could the East London beach open?

The opening date depends on planning approval from Hackney Council; no specific date has been announced yet.

Will the East London Waterworks Park be free to enter?

Yes, the charity's goal is to establish a free-to-enter haven for all, with nature at its forefront.

Home / Environment / London's New Beach Oasis: Wild Swimming & Sand Soon!

London's New Beach Oasis: Wild Swimming & Sand Soon!

19 Jan

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Summary

A new sandy beach and wild swimming park is proposed for East London.
The project aims to create a free, inclusive, biodiverse haven with natural pools.
Planning approval from Hackney Council is pending, with potential delays.

London's New Beach Oasis: Wild Swimming & Sand Soon!

A new 'beach' could soon open in East London, offering an urban escape with sand, swimming, and community spaces. The East London Waterworks Park (ELWP) charity is working to transform a former industrial site into a biodiverse haven with wild swimming ponds and natural pools filtered by reed beds. The proposal includes a 3,000-square-metre sandy beach area designed to accommodate up to 100 people, along with various amenities like wildflower meadows and a café.

The project, which secured £500,000 through crowdfunding in 2023, is currently awaiting planning approval from Hackney Council. Despite Elwp's vision for open public access and minimal development, the site faces a potential hurdle as some London councils have suggested its use for a children's home. A definitive decision on the planning application is not expected for some time.