A petition calling on Hammersmith and Fulham Council to install a community heated outdoor lido in Ravenscourt Park has gathered more than 1,000 signatures, ensuring it will be debated by the council's Cabinet after it closes on September 3.
The petition, posted on the council's website, argues that as London enters a new climate period of summer heat waves, there is a need for more cooling facilities for residents, as well as year-round exercise and wellbeing amenities. It describes lidos as "a monument to cultural, civic and local pride" and highlights that there are over 160 lidos across the UK, with more than 30 new schemes delivered since 2021.
Petition highlights health and climate benefits
The petition stresses the health benefits of outdoor activity, noting that research shows the average UK person spends just seven per cent of their time outdoors during the work week. It calls for more areas that encourage outdoor time, with lidos serving as an example of regeneration combined with positive public health outcomes.
Ravenscourt Park, a Green Flag site, is one of the borough's most popular green spaces, already featuring several play areas and a designated water activities spot. The petition's author is not named, and the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has not received a response from the individual believed to have launched it.
Council response and next steps
Due to the number of signatures, the petition will be debated by the council's Cabinet once it closes in September. A formal report detailing the necessary work will be prepared ahead of the meeting, with Cabinet members deciding on whether to proceed.
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council said: "Our award-winning parks are one of the many reasons Hammersmith and Fulham is such a great place to live, work and socialise. We work with residents, Friends groups and our contractors to make sure these spaces are welcoming to visitors and wildlife all year round. Earlier this year we consulted with residents about what they liked and how we could improve Ravenscourt Park and its water play area. We're taking that feedback onboard as we invest, improve and upgrade the park and its features in the future."
Heatwave context
The petition comes as London experiences a series of heatwaves, leaving parks scorched and the city in drought. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat for Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching as high as 38C.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued. High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day-by-day. Southerly and southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK."
The Cabinet meeting will determine whether the lido project moves forward, with a formal report outlining the required work to be presented to members.
