A plan to create a sustainably heated outdoor swimming pool in the Stroud countryside is moving closer to becoming reality, with a location offered and thousands of pounds already pledged towards its development.
Spearheaded by local swimmer Amy Morris, the Stroud Waters project would see a unique pool created that would enable visitors to swim amongst nature in chemical free water, filtered by aquatic plants and biofiltration systems, with a section being heated all year round with geothermal energy.
Another section would be allowed to change temperature with the seasons, while there would also be facilities including a sauna, changing rooms, places to relax and a children's play area created under the plans.
Amy started the project with a mission to create a clean, inclusive and safe place where local people can swim, with community wellbeing and sustainability being highlighted as key objectives.
She set up a community interest company, Community Waters, in 2023 to develop her idea before a possible location was identified, with the owner of Court Farm in King's Stanley offering some of their land to the project.
In 2024, Amy set up a crowdfunding page to raise £36,000 for a professional feasibility study into the Court Farm location. So far, more than 250 people from the local community have made pledges to fund the study, while Stroud District Council has also made a £10,000 pledge — with another £10,000 needed to reach the target amount.
Once the feasibility study is completed, the CIC can set about seeking planning permission. More information and updates about the project can be found on the Community Waters website or Spacehive crowdfunding page.
