A HISTORIC lido is to be restored to "beyond its former glory" following a council decision yesterday.

The team behind Saltdean Lido Community Interest Community reacted with delight, saying: "It's a good day for the lido, our supporters and the city."

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee granted new applications for planning and listed building consent for the Grade II listed Art Deco site.

It means the building's complete footprint can be reinstated and the finished product will have more facilities than the previous scheme.

Plans to restore and adapt the lido were revised to give the attraction a better chance of being financially viable in the long term.

The Argus: What Saltdean Lido could look like insideWhat Saltdean Lido could look like inside

The CIC was granted permission five years ago to demolish decades-old extensions at the back of the main building but it dropped this element as well as a proposed new two-storey extension to the north.

The new more modest scheme, which includes more office space as part of a plan to generate more income, was given the thumbs-up yesterday.

Once work is complete, the lido will have:

  • A spacious ballroom and bar
  • A multipurpose coffee lounge
  • An exercise studio
  • Community meeting rooms
  • A shared community and water sports wing
  • A cafe and heritage learning zone
  • A refurbished library.

The council had extended the building in the 1960s and 70s to create much-needed space for the community. These extensions have since fallen into poor condition and it was believed demolition was the best option.

But by undertaking more investigative work, the CIC team came up with a new scheme to save the extensions and retain floor space.

Chairman of the team Derek Leaver said: "With financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to employ city-based companies to help us design a remediation scheme for the derelict building's crumbling concrete structure.

"We also have great designs for an interior that will sympathetically restore and enhance the Art Deco image of the 1938 building while also providing many modern facilities."

The Lottery fund is satisfied with the new plans and budgets and with the additional funding for city heritage sites that was secured by councillor Joe Miller with cross-party support earlier this year.

The Argus: Saltdean Lido is going to be restoredSaltdean Lido is going to be restored

Restoration work is now set to begin later this year.

Derek said: "This next phase of the project will see us restore the building beyond its former and forgotten glory and open it to the public, giving the complex year-round income streams and a sustainable future.

"This will also help us with our plans to upgrade the pool area and extend the pool season into the colder months.

"It is a good day for Saltdean Lido, our supporters and the city."

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