Deepest research pool expected to be built in Britain

The University of Essex in eastern England is planning to build the deepest and largest research, training and development pool in the world.

The University of Essex announced on Wednesday said the project has entered exploratory discussions, and the pool under discussion would be 50 meters long and 50 meters deep.

With an investment of 40 million pounds, it is expected to be the premier marine and space research facility in Britain and Europe, which could be used to simulate outer space and deep sea environments in one location.

The university said the pool will specialize in training in advanced commercial diving techniques and free diving alongside research into marine environments, human physiology, remotely operated vehicle and aerospace development.

Working with the development partner Blue Abyss, the pool will be located at the Colchester Campus.

"This is a very exciting proposal for us, with many elements that fit very well with our strengths as a university," said Bryn Morris, Registrar of University of Essex, adding "what also really interests us in this proposal are the business engagement and SME spin-out opportunities that could be generated from this development."

"I support Blue Abyss and sees this future facility as something that does not yet exist in Europe and that would compete with, or potentially even surpass, what is available in the United States and Russia. In my view this will be an outstanding 'European facility'," said Tim Peake, the next European Space Agency astronaut.

The current deepest pool, Y-40 diving pool, which is located at Montegrotto, Italy, is about 40 meters deep. Endit