Work has begun on a £900,000 project to improve disabled access and lifesaving facilities at Hampstead Heath’s bathing ponds.

The City of London Corporation (CoLC), which manages the Heath as a registered charity, provided the cash to upgrade facilities at the ladies’, mixed, and men’s bathing ponds.

Hoists will be installed to help disabled people get in and out of the water, and more accessible changing, toilet and shower facilities will be provided, alongside other measures to improve access for people with disabilities.

CoLC said the works will also improve safety for all swimmers.

New long windows will be installed in the lifeguards’ huts in the men’s and mixed ponds to give a better view of the water.

The observation deck used by lifeguards at the mixed pond will be upgraded, providing faster access to the water.

A new fence and gate will be installed at the ladies’ pond to improve security.

The ladies’ and men’s ponds are due to stay open while work is carried out.

The opening of the mixed pond will be delayed until May 13, but opening hours at the Lido have been extended to offer alternative swimming.

Out of a survey of almost 2,000 Hampstead Heath swimmers, ColC said "the vast majority" supported the plans for improvements.

William Upton KC, chair of the corporation’s Hampstead Heath management committee, said: “Outdoor swimming is booming thanks to the major benefits it brings to our physical and mental well-being.

“These improvement works will ensure everyone can enjoy our bathing ponds, while keeping swimmers safe.”

CoLC manages more than 11,000 acres of open space in London and southeast England, including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, and over 200 smaller sites in the Square Mile, investing over £38 million a year.

Most of the open spaces are run as charitable trusts, at little or no cost to the communities that they serve.

CoLC has faced extensive criticism about compulsory charges for swimmers, introduced in 2020, and last June defeated a legal challenge from a disabled swimmer over the fees.

Fees and charges at the bathing ponds are set to rise by 5%, this year.

A swim at each pond currently costs £4.25, or £2.55 with concessions.

Under the new charges, a swim would cost £4.45.