Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee has granted the new applications for planning and listed building consents which is the final step in allowing restoration of the Grade II (star) site to begin later this year.
The 1938 Art Deco building was extended by Brighton Council in the 1960s & 70s to create much needed space for the community; adding a library, ballroom and meeting rooms. Unfortunately, these extensions are now in very poor condition and it was believed that demolition was the best option.
But ... by undertaking more investigative work and a fresh look, the CIC team has designed a new scheme to save the extensions and retain valuable floor space resulting in the building's entire foot print to being saved.
The new scheme will also allow us to reduce the build's carbon emission impact (by not having to demolish and then rebuild) and provide more facilities than the previous scheme.
The new plans will give the building:
. A spacious ballroom and bar
. A multipurpose coffee lounge
. A multipurpose exercise studio
. Multiple community meeting rooms
. A shared community and water sports wing
. A café hub & heritage learning zone
. A refurbished library
Chair of the Saltdean Lido CIC team, Derek Leaver said “With financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to employ city-based companies to help us design a remediation scheme for the derelict building’s crumbling concrete structure. We also have great designs for an interior which will sympathetically restore and enhance the Art Deco image of the 1938 building while also providing many modern facilities.”
This next phase of the project will see us restore the building beyond its former and forgotten glory and open it to the public, giving the complex year-round income streams and a sustainable future.
This will help with plans to also upgrade the pool area and extend the pool season into the colder months.
Thanks to all for your ongoing support. We look forward to keeping you informed as we peel back the layers of time with the restoration, and return Saltdean Lido to its rightful place as a seaside gem to be enjoyed by all.
More information at https://saltdeanlido.org/