Early proposals are in place for a new outdoor swimming destination to be created high above Oxenhope in the beautiful surrounds of the Worth Valley.
The idea and concept is being driven forward by Caroline Kindy from The Yorkshire Swim Works.
With an early concept proposal of creating interconnected outdoor pools in an area previously used for water filtration, Yorkshire Swim Works are actively exploring the option of creating a safe place within our area for people to swim outdoors.
The swimming space would be placed in a former space where Bradford’s drinking water was filtered and cleaned for over 100 years.
The water filtration works were closed in 1990, and currently, four abandoned sand beds remain in place, each of which are almost the size of an Olympic swimming pool. If the project went ahead, it would be the country’s highest lido. A particular benefit of the proposals is also that it would be chemical free, with no chlorine required and the water in the pools being filtered by plants.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has thrown his full support behind the plans, which he believes will be a huge cultural asset for the area, attracting visitors and providing a boost to other local businesses. He has met with Caroline Kindy, the Founder of Yorkshire Swim Works and the key driver behind the plans to discuss her proposals. A feasibility study will soon follow as the first point is starting to make the proposals into a reality.
Robbie Moore MP said: “These are extremely exciting plans. Wild outdoor swimming is definitely increasing in its popularity - but we do need safe environments for people to take part and enjoy it. That’s why I am really encouraged to hear about the proposals which are at a early concept stage for a new outdoor swimming centre high up above Oxenhope in the beautiful surrounds of the Worth Valley. Such a project will do so much for our area; having this amazing cultural asset, which would be the country’s highest lido, would attract visitors and provide a real boost for the wider local economy.
Currently, outdoor swimming can be dangerous, but this would be a safe way to encourage outdoor exercise. It would also have real environmental benefits, with no chemicals used and the water in the pool being filtered entirely by plants.
Meeting with Caroline Kindy, I got a real understanding of just how exciting this project could be with great health and well-being benefits. I know a feasibility study is soon to come, and I will be following funding requests, at both a national and local level, very closely.”
