Disused reservoir could become wild swimming pool

The Kettlewell Reservoir site on the St Ives estate near Bingley is currently disused

A disused reservoir in a Bradford country park is set to be turned into a "natural" outdoor swimming pool, according to newly announced plans.

The Yorkshire Swim Works project wants to develop the Kettlewell Reservoir site on the St Ives estate near Bingley.

They want to transform the area into a naturally-filtered pool and leisure attraction with the support of Bradford Council.

The ambitious plans include a 50m (164ft) main pool with six lanes, a lake area, shallow play space, sauna pods, cafe, amphitheatre and events rooms, with part of the site heated.

Discussions with the council over the use of the reservoir began after Swim Works were outbid at auction for the redundant Thornton water treatment works, near Haworth, despite raising £160,000 with the help of a a crowdfunding campaign.

The Community Interest Company said it wanted to create a "21st-Century lido" which is safe for wild swimming in a pool that is cleaned and filtered by plants rather than chemicals.

Plans for the site include swimming lanes, sauna pods and a cafe

The St Ives estate is the largest public park in Bradford and was bought by the council in 1929 from former landowners the Ferrand family.

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."

Caroline Kindy (left), Russell Bowman (centre), & Nick Stuart (right), from Swimworks, say they hope the project will lead to the park's wider regeneration

An eco-lodge business on the site would generate income to maintain the pool facility.

The concrete-lined reservoir was built in 1909 by the Ferrands, who funded the supply of water from their estate to the people of Bingley.

It was abandoned and left to nature after leaks developed.

Swim Works CIC representatives are now in negotiations to lease the reservoir from Bradford Council, who have already supported the project with grants for feasibility studies.

The work, expected to start in late 2025 if planning permission is approved, will be funded by public and private investment.

Once open, the pool is expected to create more than 40 jobs, as well as 100 part-time roles during the peak summer season.

Kettlewell Reservoir on the St Ives estate in Bingley

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.”

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