Kettlewell Reservoir is located in a Bradford country park on the St Ives estate near Bingley and is set to be turned into a ‘natural’ outdoor swimming pool the ‘first of its kind’ in the UK. They hope to create a friendly community-led environment and hope it’ll become an inspiring landmark for locals whilst attracting visitors for all over for wild swimming.
Yorkshire Swim Works project hopes to include a 50m pool with six lanes as well as a lake area, shallow play space, sauna pods and cafe. Also, an ampitheatre and events room with parts of the site heated. The estate has been in public hands since 1929 and with its 100th year of serving the community this might just be the perfect celebration.
Locals use Bradford’s largest park as a spot to walk, run, cycle, climb, ride and more whilst the modern children’s playground is a symbol of what is possible. With wild swimming becoming ever popular with benefits of the cold water coming to light in recent years – it could become a great addition for the surrounding community.
The hop if the Community Interest Company is to create a ’21st-Century lido’, which would be a safe place for wild swimming in a pool natural filtered using plants rather than chemicals.
Group founder Caroline Kindy said: “Yorkshire Swim Works could be a catalyst for the wider regeneration of this cherished but underused park. Outdoor swimming has had a surge in popularity in the UK over recent years and the benefits to physical and mental health have been well-documented.
“It is important to be safe whilst swimming outdoors – but the choice of safe venues in West Yorkshire is limited. We’re aiming to join the 21st Century lido revolution and bring a new, safe and exciting option to hundreds of thousands of people in our region.”
Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for healthy people and places, Sarah Ferriby, said: “Yorkshire Swim Works have brought forward an exciting proposal that would provide more people with an all-year-round, high-quality, safe and accessible facility.
“The project would provide much-needed new jobs and stimulate further interest and funding in the estate. The council at this stage is committed in principle to working with Yorkshire Swim Works to deliver the project and its health and employment benefits.”
Swim Works CIC representatives are in negotiations to lease the reservoir from Bradford Council, who supported the project with grants for feasibility studies. If planning permission is approved, the work is set to start in late 2025 and would be funded with public and private investment.
The spot would also have an eco-lodge business on the site that would generate income as well.
