A Victorian gasholder may find new life as an open-air swimming pond

A disused iron gas holder in south London could be transformed into a public swimming space under early proposals being considered by Southwark Council. The idea would see the structure repurposed as a Victorian gasholder swimming pond, combining heritage preservation with a new kind of outdoor recreation.

The plans focus on Gasholder No. 13, a grade II listed structure beside the Old Kent Road. Built in the late 19th century, the circular frame once stored gas for the surrounding area. It has stood unused for years, but councillors are now exploring whether it could become the centrepiece of a new public park.

If approved, the scheme would include two connected bodies of water. One would be used for cold water swimming, while the other would contain reed beds designed to filter the water naturally.

A council officer told a committee meeting earlier this month: “What we’re proposing is an open outdoor swimming provision. It would be cold water swimming, filtered naturally through reed beds, so biodiverse and chemical free. There isn’t a historic gasholder with a swimming pool inside it anywhere.”

The wider park would be named after George Livesey, the Victorian engineer who founded the gasworks. Livesey was known locally not just as an industrialist but as a philanthropist, funding libraries, allotments, and sports grounds for workers.

The land surrounding the gasholder is largely owned by the council, while the structure itself belongs to SGN Networks. Officers stressed that the project remains at an early stage, with costs, safety considerations, and long-term maintenance still being assessed.

Part of the funding could come from nearby housing development. Councillors were told that around 800 new homes are planned on land close to the site, with developer contributions potentially helping to finance restoration work and public access.

Gasholder No. 13 was granted listed status in 2017 by Historic England, which recognised its architectural and historical importance. Campaigners have long argued that the structure should be reused rather than dismantled.

Helen Dennis, Southwark’s cabinet member for new homes and sustainability, said the proposal reflected broader ambitions for the Old Kent Road. “We are determined that regeneration delivers a greener and healthier neighbourhood,” she said. “That means development that results in new parks and facilities people can actually use.”

The council said no final decision has been taken and that public consultation would be required before the project could proceed. If it does, the Victorian gasholder swimming pond would represent a rare attempt to blend industrial heritage with public health and open access.

Guidance on the protection and reuse of historic industrial structures is set out by Historic England.

For more stories exploring how London’s historic spaces are being rethought for everyday life, follow EyeOnLondon for original, independent reporting. We welcome your thoughts in the comments.

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