The reopening date of an 85-year-old Art Deco lido has been announced.

Saltdean Lido is welcoming swimmers back to its 40m heated pool from Monday, May 1.

A spokesman for Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (SLCIC) said this is another milestone in what has been an “exciting” year for the Lido.

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

“This is an exciting year for our swimmers and supporters who will be able to view the beautifully restored Art Deco building firsthand as pool and building are reunited at this fantastic venue,” said a spokesman for SLCIC.

While the Lido itself is reopening, the historic Grade II* Saltdean Lido building, which has been undergoing extensive repair work since November 2021, should be completed by autumn this year.

Much of the scaffolding on the building has been removed, revealing its repaired and repainted east wing.


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Derek Leaver, chairman of SLCIC, said: “Much of the scaffolding came down either side of Easter as the tops of the wings are now watertight. This will enable the completion of the roofing work which has been waiting for the temporary structure to go.

“It will also give everyone the opportunity to follow the progress of the external works as they continue. At the lower level, double glazed replicas of the original crittall windows have been installed and the Art Decor doors around the rotunda are on order.

"Paving between the pool and the building needs to be laid, the chimney -  missing for so many years - will be completed, rainwater goods installed and the replica main Saltdean Lido sign put back.

“This will provide a unique backdrop to the pool and swimmers this year when the pool opens at the beginning of May.”

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.

SLCIC wants the lido building to be a “bustling community hub” with a library, café/restaurant and activity spaces.