Transforming space through water and community

Transforming space through water and community
Sea Lanes, Brighton

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CASE STUDY

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Overview

Sea Lanes Brighton is rooted in its setting. Located in Brighton - a seaside city on the south coast of England, UK - it reconnects the urban fabric with the water: physically, visually and culturally. What was once a neglected stretch of the iconic Madeira Drive is now a lively, year-round destination, with swimming at its centre.

The pool itself sits directly on the seafront, just behind the beach, creating a close and constant relationship with the water beyond. But Sea Lanes Brighton is also a small ecosystem. Independent local businesses, wellbeing services and community events create constant activity and interaction, turning the facility into a place where people choose to spend time.

The result is a different kind of aquatic space: one that is open to the city, shaped by its environment, and designed not just for swimming, but for ongoing connection with water, place and community.

Sea Lanes, Brighton. Photo: Sea Lanes

“We’re proud to have become a part of Brighton’s strong sea swimming culture. Sea Lanes is a hub that brings people together, from those training with intent to those swimming for pure enjoyment or building confidence in the water. It’s become a space where health, wellbeing and genuine community connection come together.”

Harry Smith, Director,
Sea Lanes, Brighton

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Points 
of interest

The site features a 50 m, 6-lane outdoor pool, heated to 19ºC.
A strong community of regular users has emerged - from recreational swimmers to triathletes and open water specialists - with over 96,000 swims recorded and more than 1,100 members.
Sea Lanes has demonstrated measurable health and wellbeing benefits, including participation in research exploring outdoor swimming’s impact on mental health.
Accessibility is embedded in the design, with inclusive features ensuring the space is open to a broad range of users.
Sustainability is a core principle, including renewable energy use, reduced energy consumption, recycled building materials, sea waste collection and biodiversity enhancement.
The project delivers significant economic and social value, supporting around 194 jobs and generating millions in local economic activity through both direct use and visitor spending.

“I got in one cold October morning, and it was icy, but the feeling when I got out was just electrifying. I was a complete convert. It took me quite a long time to make friends with the water, but now we're very good friends.”

Rosie Hopkins, Swimmer,
Sea Lanes, Brighton

Rosie Butler and Sue Hopkins. Photo: Sea Lanes

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Conclusions

Sea Lanes Brighton demonstrates how swimming facilities can act as a catalyst for wider outcomes: strengthening communities, improving health, supporting urban regeneration and generating economic value. Crucially, its success lies in treating swimming not as the sole product, but as part of a broader experience built around connection, place and lifestyle.

As cities look to revitalise public spaces and encourage healthier behaviours, Sea Lanes offers a scalable model for community-led, experience-driven aquatic environments, where being in and around water becomes a part of everyday life.