Campaigners hoping to revive the historic Peckham Lido have said they feel “bowled over” by £18,000 that has already been pledged in just six days.
The once proud Olympic-length 50 metre pool was mounded over in 1987. But an online crowdfunding page has attracted 460 backers, and hopes to raise £65,865 by July 31.
The initial splash of funding will pay to assemble planning applications and businesses plans to be submitted to Southwark Council.
Campaign founder, Ben Lloyd-Ennals, said: “Peckham like the rest of London is changing so quickly right now.
“It’s essential we harness this great energy and prosperity to keep London fun and liveable, which is what the Peckham Lido is all about.”
If successful, the new Lido will be located right on top of its predecessor, which was built in 1923 in Peckham Rye Park, at the junction with Peckham Rye and East Dulwich Road.
The new Lido would form part of a wider Peckham Beach development, featuring a gym, restaurant, amphitheatre-style cinema and roof-top sunbathing area. Some 40 jobs could also be created.
Chris Romer-Lee of Octopi Architects, who have presented the designs pictured, said: “We’ve had an unbelievable response, raising more in the first 48 hours than any other Spacehive project to date.
“We’re currently just over £15,000 – well on target to hitting our £66k target within the next 70 days.”
Peckham Beach has also been entered into the mayor of Southwark’s Crowdfunding Programme which could mean the project gets an additional £20k.
Rumours of reopening the Lido first rippled through Peckham in 2014 when Camberwell and Peckham MP, Harriet Harman, and council leader Peter John both tweeted their support.
Ms Harman then met with architects at the site on October 3, 2014 to look at the plans, previously valued at around £2m.
Those who pledge any amount towards the project will only have to pay if the project meets its target. Visit www.spacehive.com/peckham-lido to make an offer.
This was a well used community resource for decades before it closed in the late 80s. It was free for two hours from 6 am, and Dad took me and my two brothers there every weekday at that time. The only thing that got me through the terror of the eleven plus was the thought that I would be going for a swim later!