SINK OR SWIM

London-based Studio Octopi has developed designs to reinstate the Olympic-length outdoor swimming pool in Peckham Rye, which was in use for over 50 years, but eventually closed down in 1987.

A crowdfunding campaign launched last month to raise money for the project, described it as a "a modern mecca for sunbathing, health and wellbeing".

The team are seeking £60,000 – enough to cover the costs of preparing a planning application to submit to Southwark Council.

Unlike the original design, the new lido would use a natural water source – embracing the growing trend for more organic swimming pools.

"We have aspirations to make it the country's first natural lido, naturally filtered and kept clean through a natural process" says Studio Octopi co-founder Chris Romer-Lee ".

To achieve this, the architects plan to explore the possibility of resurfacing the River Peck, one of London's underground rivers.

"We'd love to explore resurfacing that river and using the water from it," explained Romer-Lee. "There is a lot of people who don't even realise that the Peck runs under their public space and houses – what better opportunity to bring it to the surface?"

The campaign is led by local resident Ben Lloyd-Ennals, who started the project with an online petition. After receiving over 3000 signatures he won the support of politician Harriet Harman, then held a design competition that brought Studio Octopi on board.

The plan is to build the new 50-metre-long lido on exactly the same site as its predecessor, on Peckham Rye Common.

The team plan to embrace this by creating a beach-like space, set among wild flowers and mature trees. It would stand in contrast to London's existing park lidos, which are surrounded by high fences.

"We're trying to make it connect back to the parkland, not to close it up like Brockwell Park or London Fields," said Romer-Lee. "The beauty of these natural pools is that you can run them on a pebble edge, so you do get a beach rather than a concrete edge."

"This is an opportunity, not only for serous swimmers, but for all people who want to hang out by the water or for kids wanting to learn how to swim," he continued.

The designs also include rooftop sunbathing areas, an outdoor cinema, a gym, a yoga studio, and an events room.

"Peckham like the rest of London is changing so quickly right now," added Lloyd-Ennals. "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."