A major leisure provider has added its support to a plan to transform the Saltdean Lido into an historic art-deco attraction.

The Argus understands Brighton and Hove City Council, which took back full control of the “at-risk” Grade II* listed building last year, is to recommend handing control of the building to a third party.

It comes as the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC), set up by members of the Save Saltdean Lido campaign, revealed its first image of what its plans look like.

The organisation said that, if successful, Waves Leisure Trust, which runs swimming pools in Lewes district, had agreed to take over the running of some of the facilities.

Peter Crowley, managing director of the not-for-profit organisation, said it was “excited” to be involved with the CIC project.

He added: “With our established and experienced team, we will bring resources to support this project and develop its long term sustainable future in partnership with the directors of the CIC.”

The council took back full control of the building from Dennis Audley, the holder of a 125-year lease, in June.

Leisure services

Since then, the local authority has been seeing what interest there is from the charity and private sectors to run the premises, which includes an outdoor swimming pool, community meeting space and indoor gym.

However, the council made clear that no decision has yet been taken over the future of the attraction.

Saltdean Lido CIC, which has nearly 400 members, will be holding a public consultation about the future of the building on Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13 in St Nicholas Church Hall in Saltdean Vale, Saltdean from 2pm to 6pm.

Rebecca Crook, chairman of Saltdean Lido CIC, said: “The Saltdean Lido site is on English Heritage’s ‘At Risk Register’ and its future is still not safe.

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“Our plans are intended to stimulate debate and to get feedback.

“The weekend is a chance for people to tell us what they would like to see at the site.”

Visitors will be able to see its plans, which have been drawn up by Brighton-based Conran and Partners.

These include providing more community space, modernising the pool, expanding the gym and creating a café.

Regular monthly events, such as farmers markets, concerts and sports events, could also be held in its grounds.

The issue will be discussed at the council’s policy and resources committee meeting on January 24 in Hove Town Hall at 4pm.

For more details on the CIC plans, visit the website www.saltdeanlido.co.uk.

Talking point: What would you like to see at Saltdean Lido? Do you welcome the plans?

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