Plans for London’s First Thames Bathing Site in Ham 2026

Key Points

• Richmond Council welcomes plans for London’s first official bathing site on the River Thames at “Riverside at Ham and Kingston”.
• The Government proposes designating this as one of England’s 465 recognised bathing sites, marking the capital’s first.
• The site lies within the Royal Borough of Kingston’s boundary, but Richmond Council views it as a shared opportunity due to close community links across the river.
• Richmond Council will conduct a feasibility study to upgrade Burnell Open Space and the neighbouring towpath for better riverside access.
• Council leader Gareth Roberts highlights the Thames as a defining feature of Richmond and commits to improving towpaths and access.
• Jim Millard, Richmond’s Lead Member for Finance, stresses proactive planning for infrastructure to support river swimming and recreation.
• Twickenham MP Munira Wilson expresses delight and links it to broader calls for improved water quality, opposing Thames Water’s Teddington effluent plans.
• Detailed feasibility work begins soon, with updates expected later this year.

Ham, South London (South London News) February 17, 2026 – Richmond Council has announced a feasibility study to enhance riverside access in Ham, following the Government’s proposal to designate “Riverside at Ham and Kingston” as London’s inaugural official bathing site on the River Thames. This initiative positions the site among England’s 465 recognised bathing waters, a milestone for the capital where river swimming has gained popularity amid ongoing water quality campaigns.​

The announcement underscores a collaborative effort between Richmond and Kingston councils, despite the site’s location within Kingston’s boundary. Council leader Gareth Roberts emphasised the Thames’s central role in local life, stating it unites communities on both banks. This development builds on existing commitments to riverside improvements, aiming to transform Ham into a premier Thames-side destination.

What Is the Proposed Thames Bathing Site?

The bathing site, termed “Riverside at Ham and Kingston”, targets a stretch of the Thames where public access and water quality assessments could support safe swimming. As reported in the initial council release, the Government’s designation process aligns with national efforts to expand monitored bathing waters from 464 to include this new spot. Richmond Council’s feasibility study focuses on practical upgrades to make the area swimmer-ready.​

Burnell Open Space, adjacent to the river, and the neighbouring towpath are key areas for enhancement. These improvements include better access points, signage, and facilities to handle increased footfall from swimmers, paddlers, and rowers. The council’s proactive approach ensures Ham can accommodate growing interest in wild swimming, a trend surging across the UK.

Why Is Richmond Council Involved Despite Kingston’s Boundary?

Although the proposed site falls within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames Council views it as a shared asset. Council leader Gareth Roberts said:

“The Thames is one of Richmond’s defining features, with communities living and working on both sides of the river. While the proposed bathing site sits within Kingston’s boundary, the opportunity is shared. We’ve already committed to improving our towpaths and riverside access — this feasibility study builds on that work and looks at how Ham can be ready for increased use of the river.”​

This cross-boundary perspective reflects the river’s role as a communal lifeline. Ham, on Richmond’s side, directly faces the proposed site, making infrastructure upgrades essential for balanced development. Roberts’s statement highlights prior investments in towpaths, positioning the study as a natural extension.

Jim Millard, Richmond’s Lead Member for Finance, reinforced this forward-thinking stance. He added:

“This is about planning ahead. If Ham is to become part of London’s first official Thames bathing offer, we need the right infrastructure in place. By exploring improvements to Burnell Open Space and the Ham riverside now, we are positioning the borough to respond confidently and responsibly to growing interest in river swimming and recreation.”​

How Does This Fit into National Bathing Water Plans?

The Government’s proposal integrates “Riverside at Ham and Kingston” into England’s bathing water framework, which currently lists 464 sites. Official designation triggers regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency, mandating improvements if standards falter. This move mirrors expansions elsewhere, driven by the Bathing Water Regulations aimed at safeguarding public health.

For London, it pioneers urban Thames bathing, contrasting cleaner coastal sites. Campaigners note that official status could accelerate pollution fixes, vital given sewage discharge controversies. The site’s inclusion signals governmental recognition of the Thames’s recreational potential, potentially inspiring similar bids upstream or downstream.

What Are Local Leaders Saying About the Announcement?

Political support spans councils and Parliament. Gareth Roberts’s endorsement frames the study as community-driven evolution, not mere bureaucracy. Jim Millard’s financial lens ensures fiscal prudence, tying upgrades to long-term borough benefits.

Twickenham MP Munira Wilson reacted enthusiastically to the news. She said:

“I am absolutely delighted that the River Thames at Ham and Kingston is being considered as one of the first-ever designated bathing spots in London, because everyone deserves to swim, paddle and row in clean, healthy water.”

Wilson tied this to her advocacy, adding:

“With the Government acknowledging the need to improve water quality, I hope they will also heed my and campaigners’ calls to scrap Thames Water’s proposals to pump treated effluent into the River Thames at Teddington – plans that are fundamentally incompatible with improving water quality along our precious stretch of the River Thames.”​

Her comments spotlight tensions between recreation and utility operations. Thames Water’s Teddington plans, which involve discharging treated effluent, have faced opposition from MPs and environmentalists fearing contamination risks.

What Infrastructure Changes Are Planned for Ham?

The feasibility study targets Burnell Open Space and the towpath for targeted upgrades. Priorities include safer river entry points, changing facilities, and waste management to deter littering. Enhanced pathways would ease congestion, supporting Ham’s emergence as a destination.

Richmond Council’s prior towpath works provide a foundation, with the study assessing capacity for hundreds of visitors. Environmental safeguards, like erosion control, are implicit to preserve the Thames Path’s integrity. These steps align with national guidelines for bathing sites, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Why Is This a Milestone for London Swimmers?

London lacks official Thames bathing sites, forcing enthusiasts to unofficial spots amid pollution worries. Designation here could legitimise swimming, boosting confidence via mandatory testing for bacteria like E. coli. It joins a UK revival of river bathing, post-pandemic, with groups like the Thames Tideway Tunnel aiding cleaner waters.

For Ham residents, it elevates local pride, blending history—Ham House nearby—with modern leisure. Economically, it could draw tourists, benefiting cafes and outfitters along the river.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Water Quality?

Water quality remains pivotal. Munira Wilson’s critique of Thames Water underscores risks from effluent discharges, even treated. Campaigners, including Wilson’s allies, demand stricter oversight, citing past spills during storms.

The Environment Agency’s role post-designation involves fortnightly sampling in summer, classifying waters as excellent, good, sufficient, or poor. Ham’s proximity to Teddington Weir amplifies scrutiny, as upstream flows impact usability. Councils must lobby for upgrades, potentially clashing with water firms’ costs.

When Will Feasibility Work Conclude and What’s Next?

Detailed feasibility work commences imminently, with further updates slated for later in 2026. Interim reports may outline costs, timelines, and public consultations. If viable, implementation could follow within 18 months, pending funding and approvals.

Public input will shape outcomes, ensuring resident buy-in. Success hinges on inter-council coordination and governmental backing, setting a template for Thames-wide bathing.

Broader Context: Swimming Trends and Thames Revival

River swimming has exploded in popularity, with clubs like the London Swimming Club advocating access. Official sites mitigate risks, unlike ad-hoc dips. Richmond’s initiative dovetails with the Port of London’s safety campaigns and Olympic legacy from 2012, when Thames events spotlighted cleanup needs.

Environmentally, it pressures polluters while celebrating the Thames’s biodiversity. For South London, from Ham to Putney, it heralds safer waters, fostering health and community ties.