Saltdean Lido gets £1.1 million to finish refurbishment

A £1.135 million cash injection agreed last night has been touted as “the final piece in the puzzle” in a campaign to restore the Art Deco lido which has spanned over a decade.

Brighton and Hove City Councillors agreed the amount at a budget meeting held last night.

Ward councillor Bridget Fishleigh, who was previously a leading fundraiser for the project, said: “I’m completely delighted.

“Next month will mark 11 years of campaigning – 11 long years of blood, sweat and tears.

“Saving the lido has always been about money. I don’t think any of us ever dreamt that 11 years on, we would still be fighting to raise the money needed.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle.”

An artist's impression of the Saltdean Lido building

The pool reopened in 2017 pool with £3m of community funding after a local group secured a lease from the council to operate it.

However, the main building is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and in a dilapidated condition. It has been closed to the public for some time.

Extensive repairs are needed because the structure is under attack from the salt in sea-dredged gravel that was used in its construction. The salty sea air is also proving corrosive.

The money will be spent to restore the main building, built in 1937 and opened by Hollywood film star Johnny Weissmuller.

Asked who she would like to open the building this time, Cllr Fishleigh said: “Saltdean’s world famous singer Celeste. She could even come and give a concert.”

She added: “I would really like to thank Derek Leaver and Deryck Chester because they are volunteers – and local residents – on the trust who are leading the project now.”

The cash injection will also see a further £400,000 unlocked from the National Lottery bringing the total amount to £1.535 million.

Rottingdean Coastal Conservative councillor Joe Miller spearheaded the proposal to find £1.65 million for the project with an amendment to the council’s budget.

Councillor Joe Miller at Saltdean Lido

After negotiation, it was agreed that £40,000 of recurrent funding will be used to give the £1.135 cash injection to the Saltdean Lido.

Cllr Miller said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted that the Lido CIC will receive this money. It has been a huge piece of work and they have done a stellar job of delivering this for residents and tourists.

“Whilst I’m disappointed we didn’t mange to get support for £1.65 million, I’m delighted we managed to find support for a compromise.

“This means we can restore the Grade II* listed Saltdean Lido – the only one in the country – to its former glory.”