Value Added Partner Stories
26th April 2026
Author EditorPosted on Categories Business
We chat with Sea Lanes Brighton
Tell us your Story?
Sea Lanes creates National Open Water Swimming Centres that inspire safe outdoor swimming, open to everyone from first-time swimmers to elite athletes. Sea Lanes Brighton was the first of its kind and the beginning of our journey, created by Sussex-based businesses and individuals passionate about open water swimming, including Brighton swim coach Andy White, Copsemill Properties, QED Sustainable Urban Developments and SwimTrek. This year, two further centres will open: Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth and Sea Lanes Canary Wharf. We transform underused waterfront and coastal spaces into vibrant destinations centred around swimming, health and wellbeing. Each site combines a safe swimming environment with coaching, training programmes, saunas and social spaces, helping people build confidence in open water while enjoying its physical and mental health benefits. Beyond the water, we’re rooted in community engagement, education and environmental responsibility, redefining how the UK experiences outdoor swimming.
What has been your biggest business challenge to date?
Sea Lanes Brighton was five years in the making. From the original concept of a 50m swimming pool on Brighton beach to opening, there were many challenges. Navigating the planning process with the local council, balancing heritage, community needs and financial viability, required careful collaboration and was a complex, delicate process.
What has been your greatest or proudest business achievement to date?
Opening Sea Lanes Brighton in June 2023 as the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre was a huge moment for us, but just as important is the vibrant community it has created. With two further sites opening this year, it also reflects how far the team and concept have progressed.
What type of clients do you currently work with and who are you looking to meet?
Sea Lanes Brighton is a thriving seaside hub, home to a range of partner health and wellness businesses. Our audience spans swimmers, local residents and those visiting for food, drink and wellbeing experiences. We offer a unique setting for meetings and team building days, with epic sea views and wellbeing experiences built in. We love working with local, like-minded businesses with shared values.
Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know?
Previously, Brighton had just 44% of Sport England’s recommended swimming pool provision, much of it in ageing facilities. Sea Lanes was created to help meet this need. As a founding team, we bring together expertise in development, swimming and coaching, united by a belief in the power of water to improve lives.
How do you define Success?
Success is creating places where people feel confident, connected and inspired in the water, while delivering meaningful regeneration, strong community engagement and lasting social impact.