Major works to complete a Grade II* listed lido building are a “step closer”.

The once crumbling Saltdean Lido is “now only weeks away” from having much of its construction works completed meaning that work to fit out the building can start.

The works to the building’s exterior and interior including asbestos removal will have been going on for two years in November, around three months later than originally planned.

Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, which saved the lido from being bulldozed for flats in 2013, said once the main contractors Buxton finish, specialist teams will move in to fit-out various rooms throughout the building.

The Argus: Inside the ballroom which has been transformed from a dilapidated roomInside the ballroom which has been transformed from a dilapidated room (Image: SLCIC)

The lido will serve as a hub buzzing with activities including a co-working space, gym, restaurant, public library, café, rooms for hire, sauna and swimming pool and art deco ballroom for events.

A spokesman for the lido said: “Excitement is building as the landmark construction works are reaching the final stages and plans for the internal fit-out and external landscaping can finally be put in place.

“Funded by the National Lottery through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Brighton and Hove City Council, Historic England and years of community fundraising, the works have involved extensive remediation to the structure of the building and significant mechanical and electrical works to bring it up to modern standards.

The Argus: The new spiral staircase which links all the floors of the lidoThe new spiral staircase which links all the floors of the lido (Image: SLCIC)

“Unfortunately the project is running much later than originally planned, in part due to the very poor state of the building and unforeseen requirements that were exposed only after intrusive work began, and also because of quality issues.

“The final cost of the remediation works is yet to be agreed, but will be substantially over budget and this will affect how much of the fit-out can be completed before additional funds are raised and the building is earning an income.

“The projected completion date for this phase of the works has slipped repeatedly, and while still not firm it is now only weeks away.”

For more information on Saltdean Lido, visit its website.