Studio Octopi – the architecture practice behind innovative plans to make outdoor swimming in London’s Thames a reality – have won an invited competition to design a new version of Peckham Rye Lido, also in the UK capital.

The practice’s reputation for aquatic innovation proved a hit with Peckham Rye Lido campaign founders Ben Lloyd-Ennals and Jim Glynn, who chose Octopi’s designs over those of fellow contestant Red Deer architects.

The proposed site on the common bordered by Peckham Rye and East Dulwich Road has a rich history of bathing. Swimming in the area dates back to the 1800s, while a 50m (164ft) lido was in use at the site from 1923 until 1987.

Initial designs for the new Peckham Rye Lido include a 50m (164ft) heated and chlorinated pool, with scope for a smaller natural swimming pool alongside it. The natural pool could potentially draw water from one of London’s infamous lost rivers, The Peck, which runs directly under the site.

Studio Octopi has outlined plans for the lido to be surrounded on two sides by single-storey pavilions housing a gym, café and multi-purpose community space. On the other two sides, the lido would be open to the existing topography and trees of the site.

Studio Octopi will now work with founders Lloyd-Ennals and Glynn, alongside the local community to deliver the lido, with funding expected to be sought from a mixture of public and private sources. There is also potential to launch an online crowdfunding initiative, as has been the case with Octopi’s Thames Baths project.

Architectural firm looks to London's River Thames for new wellness space