Saltdean's Lido was constructed in 1938 (architect, R.W.H. Jones) and is the only Grade II listed Lido in the UK. However, due to its sea-facing location, the structure has suffered decades of chloride-attack which has allowed sea salts to penetrate the building. I last visited in 2016 when the site, after years of neglect, had been purchased by the Saltdean Lido CIC (SLCIC) with a mission to safeguard and restore Saltdean Lido for the benefit of the city and future generations to come.
The pool opened for three summer seasons (2017 onwards) and attracted nearly 40,000 visitors in the first year. The 40m pool tank is the largest in Brighton and makes it an ideal facility for serious swimmers, and families.
However, the Grade II* listed Art Deco building is in a dilapidated condition and was largely closed to the public. This is a common issue shared by many coastal modernist structures of this period - most notably, the De La Warr Pavilion. The rennovation is now under way but the building remains on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.
The 1930's cliff-top cafe is a delight with blankets and even hot water bottles supplied and the walk along to Rottingdean just as I remember it from childhood holidays.
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