Brighton’s run-down Saltdean Lido has been awarded a grant of £439,800 towards its renovations.
The Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) obtained the grant from the Social Investment Business (SIB) which manages funds on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government.
The lido has been closed for several years and the Grade II listed building is on the English Heritage ‘At Risk Register’. The funding has been allocated to restore the main swimming pool, install a new plant room within the grounds of the site, landscaping to the external grounds and temporary changing rooms and toilets.
Rebecca Crook, director and chair at Saltdean Lido CIC said: “This is a monumental step in us achieving our vision of restoring the entire site and bringing it back into full use for the benefit of local residents and visitors alike.
“We still have a significant way to go but the funding and support from SIB is very welcomed and will act as the catalyst to kick start the major refurbishment works to the art deco gem.”
The CIC have already submitted a planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council with a scheduled build project time of around five months. It is hoped the pool will be ready to be opened to the public from June 2015 onwards.
Caroline Forster, group director of investments at SIB said: “We were very impressed with the team’s business plan, passion and commitment in securing the listed building for the community and their vision in bringing it back into use. We recognize the importance of community hubs and believe this funding will make a huge impact to the local area and those who live in it”.
The Saltdean Lido CIC have also reached final stages for a number of other funding streams with decisions due early next year and have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £4.9million with a decision outcome to be announced at the end of January 2015.
