The natural swimming project in the Confluence dock is no longer just a dream for urban planners. On Thursday, January 22nd, Lyon's elected officials took a key step by entrusting the project management to SPL Confluence. The goal? To open in 2027, featuring a pool that can accommodate up to 900 swimmers over 1,500 m². All of this comes with a proposed budget of 2.4 million euros, which is considered reasonable, especially compared to building a traditional pool.
It’s no surprise that a swimming project in the heart of the city raises some questions. The mayor of the 2nd arrondissement, Pierre Oliver, has notably expressed concerns about potential pollution related to sediment uplift and the aging state of the pumps that ensure water renewal. These concerns are valid when discussing swimming in a river setting, but the municipal executive quickly reassured everyone.
Water quality j
Better than expected
On the city side, the speech is meant to be reassuring and confident. Sylvain Godinot, deputy for heritage, reminded us that the sediments have been monitored since 2025 and that they do not require excavation. As for the pumps, their replacement would represent a "quite modest" cost. Even better: the water quality would be superior to initial expectations, with no impact on the overall budget, which remains at 2.4 million euros.
However, it’s another statement that caught the attention of observers. In response to a question about alternative sites, Sylvain Godinot mentioned that a metropolitan study had identified five potential natural swimming areas, among which three are in Lyon. Among them, the Berges park and the Gerland park are currently under review by municipal services.
A future swimming spot... but maybe just one
The surprise mainly comes from this hypothesis thrown out almost casually. Since Gerland and the Banks are geographically very close, the City does not rule out selecting just one site out of the two. This choice could be made during the next electoral campaign. In simple terms, if the Confluence paves the way, Gerland could very well become the next aquatic playground for the people of Lyon, right in the heart of an increasingly warm urban summer.