THE dream of bringing an iconic art deco lido back into its prime has moved a step closer with a £2.3 million financial boost from the Government.

Plans to return Saltdean Lido to its 1930s glory have moved a step closer to reality with the significant investment from the Coastal Communities Fund announced today.

Saltdean Lido is one of four projects in Sussex sharing almost £5 million with projects in Worthing, Eastbourne and Hastings also getting backing from a nationwide pot of £36 million.

The news comes at the start of a big week for Lido campaigners with an announcement on another sizeable multi-million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund expected within days.

If successful, both grants would go a long way to meeting the estimated £10 million cost of the project which has doubled in the past year as the need for more extensive work has been found.

The Coastal Communities Fund investment will go towards plans to modify the Lido’s main pool in removing a segregating wall, building a new volleyball court, refurbishing the paddling pool facilities and five-year consent for temporary changing rooms and toilets with timber decking, an entrance kiosk and beach huts which were won planning permission last month.

Funding is also needed for refurbishment work on the historic Grade II* listed lido building which project organisers hope to transform into a year-round tourist and leisure destination, community hub and heritage centre.

The lido closed to the public in 2010 and the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company were granted a 60-year lease by Brighton and Hove City Council in 2013.

Among the other projects to successfully apply for money, Eastbourne Borough Council will receive £1.8million to regenerate the Devonshire area of the town with new leisure and business facilities, improvements to public spaces and support for local artists.

Hastings Borough Council will get £500,000 to improve the seafront and visitor attractions with a cycle hire service, improved signage, information walks and improved landscaping while Worthing Borough Council will receive £245,000 to establish a creative hub with affordable workspace for the creative community.

Rebecca Crook, chairwoman of Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, said: “Today’s news is a massive boost for the lido.

“We will now be able to restore the pools and outside area and provide residents and visitors with a beautiful place to swim and relax.

“I would like to thank the volunteer directors who continue to dedicate hours and hours to restore this unique space and local MP Simon Kirby.”