Floating water park including lido and sauna planned for Royal Docks in east London

Royal Docks Waterways has announced plans for a major floating wellness destination at Royal Victoria Dock West. The project, backed by the Greater London Authority, aims to transform the western end of the dock into a year-round hub for water-based activities. The centerpiece of the proposal is a "floating wellness" area that will integrate a lido, sauna, and spa facilities directly into the dock's existing water space near City Hall.

The development is part of a broader "floating park" vision designed to increase public access to London’s blue spaces. In addition to the sauna and spa, the plans include a boardwalk for public use and expanded infrastructure for open-water swimming. This move responds to the growing demand for cold-water swimming and wellness amenities in the capital. The project also aims to offer seasonal free access to the water to encourage wider community participation.

Royal Docks Waterways expects the first phases of the transformation to be delivered before 2030. The site, located near the Elizabeth line’s Custom House station, is currently undergoing a consultation period where stakeholders and residents can provide feedback on the designs. If successful, the venue will represent the first large-scale floating park of its kind in London, repurposing the historic industrial docks for modern health and leisure.