Race Against Time To Save Saltdean Lido’s Grade II* Rotunda
Britain has a very proud Lido history, but the gems of the golden era of the 1930s are now in alarmingly few numbers. So it’s one of the aims of Historic Pools of Britain to support those that remain, and those being brought back to life by community campaigns.
With its pool already successfully restored, Historic Pools of Britain is calling for the nation to get behind Saltdean Lido’s crowdfunding campaign to support the restoration of its gloriously iconic rotunda building. If it reaches its target of £104,000 this will unlock a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £4.19m and other funding.
The stunning rotunda of the building is built in the International modernist style, looking like the bow of an ocean liner emerging from the cliffs of the South Downs ready to set sail to France. The plans for this Grade II* listed building are for it to be restored and turned into a heritage café that will share the story of the UK’s lido movement as well as the history of Saltdean Lido. Importantly the café will also generate income that will help to ensure the sustainability of the lido.
Gill Wright of Historic Pools of Britain says, “It cannot be overstated how much a difference public backing for this campaign could make. There is a real window of opportunity if we can encourage as many people as possible to pledge their support for Saltdean. It’s a building that we should be proud of as a nation, a stunning piece of architecture that’s for all the people. And whilst there is a great deal of heartfelt nostalgia for Saltdean Lido, the rationale for its future is the same as it was when it opened in 1938; to provide a social place that brings together swimmers, families and holidaymakers to enjoy being outdoors, in and beside water, in a beautiful and safe environment.”
To find out more and how you can support this campaign visit: https://www.spacehive.com/saltdean-lido?searchtext=saltdean%20lido#/idea
To find out more about Saltdean Lido visit www.saltdeanlido.co.uk
