Saltdean Lido building restoration works underway

Saltdean Lido's main building was almost demolished in 2010 but is now set to open in August 2023.

The 84-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.

But thanks to a passionate group of people in the area, the lido was saved through their “save Saltdean Lido campaign”. The group won a 63-year lease of the site in 2013.

The pool proved very popular when it was reopened in 2017. Picture from Saltdean Lido CIC

In 2017, the 40-metre long pool was reopened and attracted nearly 40,000 visitors in its first year.

The Argus visited the delapidated building in November last year, just before work to tear out asbestos was due to start.

The scaffolding installed in February provides a visual reminder that work is truly underway on the art deco building, which is one of only three Grade II* listed lidos in the country.

Buxton Building Contractors are the main contractor working on the building. Picture from Saltdean Lido CIC

Support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Brighton and Hove City Council has helped in the lido’s journey to finally been restored.

In total, £7.5 million in funding has been put towards the lido. A £4.2 million grant from the Heritage Fund, along with £215,000 from Historic England and £2.5 million from the council, helped reach the total.

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.

Saltdean Lido in 1938/1939. Picture from Saltdean Lido CIC

Derek Leaver, chairman of the Saltdean Lido Community  Interest Company, said: “Bringing new life to this unique building will create a destination venue for visitors to come and enjoy all that the 1930s Art-Deco lido movement promised, while also serving to be a vibrant community hub for all those volunteers who have worked so hard to bring this restoration project about.”

Stuart McLeod, director for the southern region of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to a £4.2million grant raised by National Lottery players, the Saltdean Lido will be brought back to life from the Heritage at Risk register.

“This community-led project has saved this important Grade II* listed lido and will ensure it can be enjoyed by visitors and its local community for many years to come.”

Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “This is fantastic news and a major step forward in the restoration of this iconic art deco building, and the creation of a much-needed community facility.”