Waltham Forest Council announces preferred location for new lido
On 1 December 2022, Waltham Forest Cabinet approved Low Hall Sports Ground as the preferred site for a new lido in the borough. It would form part of wider improvements to the sports and leisure offer in the area, as well as enhancements to local green space.
An agreement was made to explore the location further, before returning to Cabinet in late spring 2023.
A design team has been appointed by the Council, led by architects Tate & Co, specialists in sustainable design. Now, we want to hear your views to help inform ideas going forward. This work will feed into a business case to seek funding for the next stages of the project.
Tell us what you think
We’ve already started to invite local sports and community organisations to have their say, and now we want to hear from you. This is the first of three stages of public engagement this year. If Cabinet gives approval in late spring 2023, it will then proceed to stages two and three. There will be further opportunities to get involved in the future if the project progresses.
How to get involved
Fill in our online survey by 11pm on 11 April 2023.
Come to a drop-in event to talk to members of the team:
- Saturday 25 March between 11 am and 2pm at the Mohsin Beg Pavilion, Low Hall Sports Ground
- Thursday 30 March between 4pm and 7pm outside St. James Street Station
Contact us
Email us at lido@walthamforest.gov.uk.
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Background
The last lido opened in Waltham Forest in 1936. Low Hall has been chosen as the preferred location due to its position at the centre of the borough, its public transport and cycling links, and existing sports facilities which would receive increased investment if the lido project is approved. As the site is Metropolitan Open Land the proposed lido and surrounding amenities would go through a considered planning process to ensure suitability.
The ideas build on the Council’s extensive investment in sports and leisure facilities since Waltham Forest’s role as an Olympic host borough during London 2012. The Games’ legacy has already seen upgrades to every one of the Council’s leisure centres throughout the borough, as well as the opening of Walthamstow’s Feel Good Centre.