A dream to create a floating fresh water pool on London's River Thames is one step closer to becoming a reality.
On April 23, the Thames Bath Project announced the official launch of its Kickstarter Campaign. In just 24 hours, there already were 164 backers who pledged $19,400 toward the $186,085goal. There still are 28 days left to the campaign. A Tiered membership scheme offers free swims in the opening year of the lido to those who donate to the cause.
The idea to bring swimming back to the Thames first was introduced in 2013 as part of the ‘London As It Could Be Now’ program developed by The Architecture Foundation with architect Lord Rogers and the Royal Academy of Arts, according to a press release.
“Ever since we first sketched out the original concept for Thames Baths, we have always wanted to build something that benefited the community and allowed them to participate in its creation," said Architect Chris Romer-Lee. "The latter is one of the reasons why we are launching crowd-funding on Kickstarter. We want Londoners, swimmers and anyone passionate about urban waterways to show their support for this project and what better way than a very public campaign."
Recently a similar successful crowdfunded +Pool effort generated funds to build the project now underway in Manhattan's East River.
