Build a public lido and wellbeing destination for Croydon
The Issue
Croydon, one of London's largest boroughs, is a vibrant community with a rich history and a rapidly growing population. Despite its cultural diversity and extensive amenities, Croydon lacks something crucial that many other areas in London enjoy: a public lido.
A lido is not just a place for swimming; it is a vital community hub where families, friends, and individuals of all ages can come together to enjoy physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction. Access to a lido offers numerous health benefits by promoting fitness and well-being, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and providing a safe environment for water-based recreation. It also serves educational purposes, offering swimming lessons and water safety courses essential for public safety.
Research shows that outdoor swimming can have significant mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It provides people with the opportunity to connect with nature, contributing to both psychological and physical wellness. With Croydon being home to over 385,000 residents and continually expanding, now more than ever, the demand for accessible and sustainable recreational facilities is critical.
Beyond the health and social benefits, a lido can help stimulate Croydon's local economy by attracting visitors from nearby areas, thereby supporting local businesses. It would create job opportunities, both during its construction phase and for ongoing operations once completed. The presence of a lido would undoubtedly enhance Croydon’s reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive community that prioritises the well-being of its residents.
The development of a public lido aligns with Croydon Council’s objectives to improve community health, enhance quality of life, and promote economic growth within the borough. We propose that the council allocate a portion of its development funds to plan and construct a state-of-the-art lido, using renewable energy, strategically located to be accessible to the majority of Croydon’s residents
Croydon deserves a heated lido. The nearest year-round outdoor pool is the hugely popular Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill, attracting swimmers from across (South) London.
Update:
Croydon deserves a flagship leisure destination that improves health, wellbeing and community life for everyone.
This isn't simply a call for an outdoor swimming pool now. It's a vision for a year-round vibrant public space centred around a heated outdoor lido, with modern leisure facilities that people of all ages can enjoy.
The proposal could include:
* A heated outdoor lido
* Indoor swimming pools
* A gym and fitness studios
* Saunas and wellness facilities
* A café and community spaces
* Children's splash and play areas
* Green spaces for relaxation and outdoor exercise
* Space for community events and activities
Many people assume Croydon cannot afford a project like this because of the council's financial situation. However, large leisure developments are often delivered through partnerships rather than being funded entirely by the council.
We are calling on Croydon Council to explore working with experienced leisure operators, such as Everyone active or Better (GLL), alongside Sport England, the National Lottery, developers and other funding partners to create a financially sustainable project. The council's role could be to provide the vision, identify a suitable site and bring partners together, while the facility is funded and operated through a long-term partnership.
A modern lido would:
* Improve physical and mental health.
* Encourage children and adults to learn to swim and stay active.
* Boost local businesses by attracting visitors.
* Support Croydon's regeneration and create jobs.
* Provide a landmark destination that residents can be proud of.
* Leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Croydon has one of London's largest populations and is undergoing significant regeneration. It's time to invest in a healthier, greener and more ambitious future.
By signing this petition, you're asking Croydon Council to investigate and pursue the partnerships and funding needed to make a modern lido and wellbeing park a reality—not as an impossible expense, but as an investment in Croydon's future.
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The Issue
Croydon, one of London's largest boroughs, is a vibrant community with a rich history and a rapidly growing population. Despite its cultural diversity and extensive amenities, Croydon lacks something crucial that many other areas in London enjoy: a public lido.
A lido is not just a place for swimming; it is a vital community hub where families, friends, and individuals of all ages can come together to enjoy physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction. Access to a lido offers numerous health benefits by promoting fitness and well-being, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and providing a safe environment for water-based recreation. It also serves educational purposes, offering swimming lessons and water safety courses essential for public safety.
Research shows that outdoor swimming can have significant mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It provides people with the opportunity to connect with nature, contributing to both psychological and physical wellness. With Croydon being home to over 385,000 residents and continually expanding, now more than ever, the demand for accessible and sustainable recreational facilities is critical.
Beyond the health and social benefits, a lido can help stimulate Croydon's local economy by attracting visitors from nearby areas, thereby supporting local businesses. It would create job opportunities, both during its construction phase and for ongoing operations once completed. The presence of a lido would undoubtedly enhance Croydon’s reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive community that prioritises the well-being of its residents.
The development of a public lido aligns with Croydon Council’s objectives to improve community health, enhance quality of life, and promote economic growth within the borough. We propose that the council allocate a portion of its development funds to plan and construct a state-of-the-art lido, using renewable energy, strategically located to be accessible to the majority of Croydon’s residents
Croydon deserves a heated lido. The nearest year-round outdoor pool is the hugely popular Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill, attracting swimmers from across (South) London.
Update:
Croydon deserves a flagship leisure destination that improves health, wellbeing and community life for everyone.
This isn't simply a call for an outdoor swimming pool now. It's a vision for a year-round vibrant public space centred around a heated outdoor lido, with modern leisure facilities that people of all ages can enjoy.
The proposal could include:
* A heated outdoor lido
* Indoor swimming pools
* A gym and fitness studios
* Saunas and wellness facilities
* A café and community spaces
* Children's splash and play areas
* Green spaces for relaxation and outdoor exercise
* Space for community events and activities
Many people assume Croydon cannot afford a project like this because of the council's financial situation. However, large leisure developments are often delivered through partnerships rather than being funded entirely by the council.
We are calling on Croydon Council to explore working with experienced leisure operators, such as Everyone active or Better (GLL), alongside Sport England, the National Lottery, developers and other funding partners to create a financially sustainable project. The council's role could be to provide the vision, identify a suitable site and bring partners together, while the facility is funded and operated through a long-term partnership.
A modern lido would:
* Improve physical and mental health.
* Encourage children and adults to learn to swim and stay active.
* Boost local businesses by attracting visitors.
* Support Croydon's regeneration and create jobs.
* Provide a landmark destination that residents can be proud of.
* Leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Croydon has one of London's largest populations and is undergoing significant regeneration. It's time to invest in a healthier, greener and more ambitious future.
By signing this petition, you're asking Croydon Council to investigate and pursue the partnerships and funding needed to make a modern lido and wellbeing park a reality—not as an impossible expense, but as an investment in Croydon's future.
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Petition created on July 13, 2026