Brighton's Saltdean Lido awarded grant for restoration

More than £5m has to be spent on Saltdean Lido to restore it to its former glory

Brighton's dilapidated Saltdean Lido has received its first pot of money towards a major renovation project.

The Social Investment Business is to give just over £60,000 to help restore the art deco building which is on English Heritage's At Risk register.

In December campaigners won their three-and-a-half year fight to run and restore the lido.

Plans announced in 2010 to partially demolish the 1930s Grade II* listed complex and build flats were rejected.

Instead, the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company was granted a 60-year lease to operate the pool by Brighton and Hove City Council.

The company estimates the restoration and refurbishment will cost about £5m.

Chairwoman Rebecca Crook said she hoped further funding for the work would come from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

She said: "The extensive building works required will mean it will be closed for around two years."