Saltdean Lido campaigners on course to take over lease

The Saltdean Lido campaigners look likely to become the preferred bidders to take over the lease to the art deco swimming pool and building.

The campaigners, led by Rebecca Crook, have formed a community interest company, Saltdean Lido CIC.

Today (Wednesday 11 September) Brighton and Hove City Council said that it wanted the company to be given provisional preferred bidder status to run the complex.

The council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee is being asked to agree the proposal which would then have to be signed off by the council’s Policy and Resources Committee.

The Economic Development and Culture Committee is due to decide the matter at Hove Town Hall on Thursday 19 September.

Saltdean Lido CIC said: “If negotiations are met within the original timetable, it is believed Saltdean Lido CIC in partnership with Wave Leisure Trust could take over the lease in the near future.”

Ms Crook, chairman of the CIC, said: “Of course, after a three and a half year campaign we are overjoyed.

“However, this is now the start of even more hard work but we are ready for the challenge ahead.

“The building and swimming pool needs millions of pounds spent on it.

“From the outside, it might look ok but there are serious structural issues which have left particularly the front part of the building in a very poor condition.

“Nevertheless we are very confident in our ability to transform Saltdean Lido into a commercially viable and financially self-sufficient operation for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.”

Peter Crowley, managing director of Wave Leisure Trust, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Saltdean Lido CIC to reopen this iconic facility for the benefit of the local community.

“We look forward to bringing our expertise in inspiring active lifestyles to work with the CIC team in making Saltdean Lido a successful and unique attraction again.”

Paul Zara, director of Conran and Partners Architects, who have supported the campaign to save Saltdean Lido since 2010, said: “It’s the right decision, of course.

“The team behind this bid will turn the lido into a national destination but most importantly it is the heart of Saltdean and a much-loved friend.

“I can’t wait to swim there again but there’s a lot of work to do first. This is the beginning of a new life for Saltdean Lido.”

The Saltdean Lido CIC is a community-based organisation with almost 1,000 members. It aims to run the lido site and its facilities on behalf of the community, reinvesting profits to ensure its long-term use by future generations.

Ms Crook said: “This is real victory for local residents and although there is a long road ahead it demonstrates when communities work together what amazing outcomes can be achieved.

“We now have a real opportunity to transform this beautiful grade II* building and we cannot wait to start work.”

The building still remains on the English Heritage “At Risk Register” and Ms Crook added: “One of our core objectives will be to work with the council’s conservation officer, planners and English Heritage to ensure urgent works can commence so that the building can eventually be taken off the ‘At Risk Register’.”

Although the lido site is best known for its pool, the art deco buildings also house a library and a number of other rooms. These are used for a range of classes including yoga, ballet, art and the Saltdean choir.

Saltdean Lido CIC plans to develop improved community spaces for groups and provide more library space.

It also hopes to provide heated water for the pool, open a restaurant in the rotunda part of the building and landscape and modernise the entire site.

The CIC also plan to transform the lido site into an all-year-round destination with ice skating during the winter months when the swimming pool will be closed.