Heritage Enterprise
Fourteen years ago, when plans were announced to demolish Saltdean Lido and develop the site, the community came together, starting the ‘Save Saltdean Lido Campaign’.
Today, the historically and architecturally significant complex has been brought back into full use, managed by the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (SLCIC).
The pool was reopened in 2017 and now, thanks to National Lottery investment, the previously derelict Grade II* listed building has been restored and refurbished. Its Art Deco building will support year-round use of the site with a café, restaurant, meeting rooms, public library and function room.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “As the country’s only Grade II* listed coastal lido, Saltdean has strong heritage merit with features reflecting an important period in leisure and coastal development. The building was deteriorating rapidly and without intervention would have been at risk of loss.
“It was important to us that the project should not only save the building, but through its restoration, secure a viable long-term future. The resulting mixed-use scheme celebrates the building’s original use and provides much-needed community facilities, restoring an important part of the social and recreational heritage of Saltdean.”
SLCIC hopes that the resurgence in popularity of outdoor swimming will make the pool a national visitor attraction and ensure the site’s sustainable use for generations to come.
