A 90-year-old lido building will open slightly later than originally planned.

Works on Saltdean Lido’s crumbling art deco Grade II* building started in November 2021 and were due to be completely finished by this summer.

They are now expected to be complete by Autumn of this year, around three months later than planned.

The scaffolding is due to come down in early April.

The Argus: Left is the first floor ballroom pictured in November 2021, featuring the 1960s stage. Right shows what the ballroom will look like after the refurbishment.Left is the first floor ballroom pictured in November 2021, featuring the 1960s stage. Right shows what the ballroom will look like after the refurbishment.

The pool will be open as usual for its normal season and Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (SLCIC) is currently hiring lifeguards for its swimming season.

Derek Leaver, chairman of SLCIC, said: “With regard to the main building restoration, it is running late but we plan to open in the Autumn of this year, which will include a cafe/restaurant, the council library and multiple community rooms for hire.

“We already have bookings for three weddings in our Ballroom for 2024.”

Building contractors Buxton started by removing asbestos and then moved on to weather proofing the building.

The Argus: A spiral staircase will join up all the levels of the lidoA spiral staircase will join up all the levels of the lido

The Save Saltdean Lido Campaign was set up in March 2010 by people in the area after plans were announced to fill in the swimming pool, develop the site extensively and create 102 flats on the historic lido.

The 40 metre pool tank was tackled first and reopened in 2017, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors in the first year.

The Argus was invited to see the interior just before demolition work started.

SLCIC wants the lido building to be a bustling community hub.