Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the plans for Eden Dock?

The proposal is for a five-year meanwhile use that combines world-class swimming facilities with an urban oasis of health and wellbeing.
At the heart of the development will be a 50-metre, unheated, six-lane floating swimming pool, which uses the dock water, with a depth of 1.3 metres throughout. The pool will be created within Eden Dock which is independent from the River Thames. The water quality in the dock is rated “Excellent” by EU Bathing Standards. The pool will be fully lifeguarded, open all year round, and welcomes swimmers of all abilities.
Supporting the pool will be an urban oasis for health and wellbeing. Inspired by the Eden Project and CWG partnership, it will feature geodesic domes and generous planting, in a beautifully designed courtyard setting. It will be home to saunas, food and drink offerings, retail outlets and a clubhouse hosting events.

Who are the people behind the project?

The visionary team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, a passionate group of open-water swimming enthusiasts and businesses, will bring Sea Lanes Canary Wharf to life in partnership with CWG.

Who is funding Sea Lanes Canary Wharf?

The project is funded by Sea Lanes.

When will Sea Lanes Canary Wharf open?

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will open in the Summer of 2026.

Will the pool be heated?

It is a natural, unheated, floating swimming pool.

What is the temperature of the water?

On average the temperature is 12 degrees with a range between 3 and 23 degrees.

Will the water freeze in winter?

No.

Will the pool water be natural water or chlorinated?

The pool will be filled with the same water as the dock which is rated “Excellent” by EU Bathing Standards.

How big is the pool?

The pool is 50 metres long by 12 metres wide with a depth of 1.3m. It has six lanes.

Will the pool be open all year round?

The pool will be open 364 days a year. Full details of opening times will be released shortly, to stay updated be available at sealanescanarywharf.co.uk

Can anyone swim at the pool?

Yes, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is inclusive and fully accessible, offering annual and monthly membership (concession rates available) and pay per swim sessions with a timetable of training and events.

Are children allowed to swim?

Children aged 12 years and over do not need to be accompanied. It is therefore down to parents to be confident that their child’s swimming ability is of a suitable standard to not need adult supervision.

Is it family friendly?

Yes the pool is family friendly, but it is designed to be a training pool for lane swimming.

How much will it cost to use the pool?

Membership and pay-per-swim options are available. Visit sealanescanarywharf.co.uk/swimming for full details.

Is it membership only, or can you pay per swim?

Both options are available. You can join as a member or book individual pay-per-swim sessions.

What changing facilities will be available?

There will be hot showers and changing spaces for all swimmers, including accessible changing facilities.

Do you have to swim with a wetsuit?

No, but the water is not heated.

Will you provide wetsuit hire?

Yes. Wetsuits will be available to hire or purchase. Members who already own a wetsuit can also use our wetsuit concierge service, which ensures it is washed and dried ready for their next visit.

Is the pool lifeguarded?

The pool will be fully lifeguarded, open all year round, and welcomes swimmers of all abilities.

Why are you building a pool in the dock when people can already swim in it?

The current provision is only available at limited times and for swimmers with a high level of swim competency. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is open 364 days a year and will provide swim sessions with a timetable of training and events, including triathlons, aquathlons and fun events for all. The pool will also compliment the existing swimming offer in the dock and allow more people to enjoy the water.

Can I still paddleboard in the dock?

Yes, this will be part of Sea Lanes Canary Wharf once open.

Will you provide coaching and training sessions?

Yes. There will be a regular timetable of training and events, including free weekly coaching sessions for members.

Why is the pool lane swimming? Open water swimming is about being free from lanes.

The pool will provide a stepping stone into the dock giving swimmers of all abilities the opportunity to gain confidence in the water before venturing into the dock for open water swimming.

Isn’t the dock water fed by the Thames?

Eden Dock is independent from the River Thames. The water quality in the dock is rated “Excellent” by EU Bathing Standards.

How are you building a pool in the dock?

The pool floats on modular pontoons and a submerged floor.

How many jobs will be created?

Recruitment will be locally focused and a core team of approximately 30 roles will be created.
Keep an eye on sealanescanarywharf.co.uk for opportunities as we start to recruit our local team.

What food and beverages will be available at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf?

A selection of food and beverage options will be available. Full details will be released shortly, to stay updated visit sealanescanarywharf.co.uk.

What retail outlets will be included?

The retail will focus on open water and full details will be released shortly, to stay updated visit sealanescanarywharf.co.uk

What about the wildlife that lives in and around the dock?

A full ecology report has been completed and the design for the pool and supporting health and wellbeing provisions has taken the feedback into consideration. There will be sensitive pool lighting designed to minimise artificial light spill to the surface of the dock and below the water. The geo-tec membrane which forms the pool walls will allow continuous water exchange with the dock maintaining water quality, while preventing fish and eels from entering the water and becoming trapped. The pool design includes gently vegetated shelves at key locations to provide accessible escape routes for the birds.

Isn’t the dock wall grade 1 listed?

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf does include the former Export Dock Quay Walls that are designated as a Grade I listed structure. Following a heritage report it has been confirmed that the proposed development will cause no direct or indirect harm to the significance of the Grade I listed Quay Wall.

How are the saunas heated? Is it wood burning?

The saunas will be heated by 100% renewable electricity.

How are you going to be sustainable if the planning application is only for 5 years meanwhile use?

Sustainability is at the core of Sea Lanes Canary Wharf which is designed to be temporary, but is built to leave a lasting legacy. Every part of Sea Lanes can be reused, recycled, or repurposed somewhere else. A pool that floats on modular pontoons, ready to move to a new home. Timber decking and walkways that are FSC certified and can be recycled. Changing rooms, saunas, and kitchens that travel as complete units. Domes, storage spaces, even the bar — nothing is wasted. Planters and floating greenery that can be lifted and replanted. Powered through renewable energy and supported by solar panels.

Why bring a second Sea Lanes venue to Canary Wharf?

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf offers a unique opportunity to bring an exceptional outdoor swimming venue to the heart of London. The historic docks provide an outstanding waterside setting with water rated “Excellent” by EU Bathing Standards—a rare find in an urban environment. CWG shares our vision of opening up the water to everyone and creating spaces where people connect with nature. Combined with the beautiful Eden Dock setting, the partnership with the Eden Project, and a community eager for unique health and wellbeing amenities, Canary Wharf is the perfect location for our second venue.

Is membership seasonal?

No. Membership runs all year, as the pool remains open throughout the year.

How long is each swim session?

A swim session covers a one-hour slot. If the pool is not at full capacity when your session ends, you are welcome to continue swimming. There is no need to book consecutive sessions. Sessions start on the hour, 20 minutes past the hour, and 20 minutes to the hour.