Saltdean Lido building near Brighton set to reopen later this year

Saltdean Lido's main building was almost demolished in 2010 but is now being restored and is set to reopen later this year.

The 85-year-old building, in Saltdean Park Road, had been at the centre of a battle to be saved after a developer announced plans to build 102 flats on the site.

The lido was saved thanks to a campaign run by residents. They won a 63-year lease of the site in 2013.

The council called the lido building “iconic” and confirmed that the much-loved landmark will reopen later this year.

The main pool reopened in 2017 after being refurbished.

The lido has been very popular since it reopened in 2017

Support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Brighton and Hove City Council has funded the lido building restoration project.

In total, £7.5 million in funding has been put towards the lido. This was from a £4.2 million grant from the Heritage Fund, £215,000 from Historic England and £2.5 million from the council.

Buxton Building Contractors were awarded the contract for the main section of work which will be completed in early 2023. Landscaping and other finishing touches will see the project complete by the summer.

• READ MORE: Saltdean Lido - next phase of development begins

The once dilapidated Grade II* building will reopen with a café/restaurant, library, ballroom, and rooms available for general and community use.

The lido trust and community interest company announced in their newsletter that they remain on track to reopen the main building in the second half of 2023.

Councillor Martin Osborne, who co-chairs of Brighton and Hove City Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “We are proud to have partnered with the volunteer-led Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, the Heritage Fund and other bodies in the restoration of this iconic building and the creation of a much-needed community facility.

“A key part of our newly adopted city plan part two is protecting and enhancing our city’s unique historic treasures, so they can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors, now and for years to come.”