London has become the latest in a growing line of landlocked cities to consider building a fake “beach” for its residents, following the success of a similar project in Paris.
The Guardian reports that, if Southwark council planners agree, more than 500 cubic metres of sand will be dumped on Potters Fields Park, on the south bank of the River Thames near Tower Bridge.
The newspaper suggests: “Sunbathers could enjoy the view across the water to the Tower of London while sipping a pina colada served from a beach bar built in the style of a British beach hut.”
The idea is not new; as previously reported by News From Abroad, a similar project in Paris, on an expressway bordering the River Seine, attracted some 2.5 million visitors last year.
The Guardian reports that this year’s “Paris-Plage” will include a swimming pool in the river, 3,000 tonnes of sand, 120 flags, 22 changing tents, 300 deckchairs, 80 palm trees, four open-air cafes and areas for volleyball, boules and golf.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
