Hackney Council are redeveloping The West Reservoir, and getting rid of the communal changing areas. 

Swimming at The West Reservoir is a joyous experience, whether it's in the warm summer water or the icey cold of January. But it's not all about the swimming. For many the swimming is actually secondary to the talk, laughter, bonding, companionship and joy that comes from changing communally, whether it's outside on the concrete or inside in that big old conference room. You meet your group, you meet other swimmers, the communal changing brings us all together and has made the "West Res" such an important, unique and inclusive space for physical and mental health enjoyed by many people all year.

Numerous groups rely on these daily or weekly communal changing meets and moments. People look for each other and, more importantly, look out for each other too. 

Currently there are indoor and outdoor communal changing areas and space in the toilets to change if you want a private cubicle. So good for all. 

But the new development (starting on July 1st 2025) is about to change everything. There will be segregated changing areas; a male only indoor changing room with cubicles and lockers. A female only indoor changing room with cubicles and lockers. Outside there will only be segregated open air male and female changing areas. And no communal changing areas. 

The "West Res" is very much a jewel in crown of the local area. It is used all year round and many diverse people and groups really do heavily rely on the ritualistic communal changing for many reasons. For lots of members it's actually why they go there. It's not all about the swimming - the communal changing spaces add to the sense of belonging, have created safe and extremely bonded groups and communities that thrive at the water's edge.    

Forcing these groups apart without any kind of proper or thorough consultation is not on. Losing the current communal changing spaces and rituals is not on and will be upsetting for many. The new segregating development will change the whole feeling and atmosphere of this currently joyful space. 

We insist on having communal changing areas at The West Res. It's what we need. It's what brings us together. And we don't want to be split apart.