A leading architect firm has been selected to help bring a historic Art Deco landmark back to life.

Award-winning architectural practice Conran and Partners has been chosen by the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) to draw up designs to rejuvenate the seafront attraction.

The Brighton branch of the famous firm has been working informally with the volunteer group working to save the lido for three years and has now been selected following a formal tendering process.

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Having drawn up some informal proposals, the Brighton-based team will now head back to the drawing board to develop designs for a planning application which could be submitted by July or August this year.

CIC director Rebecca Crook said that the Queen’s Road-based firm were chosen ahead of rival local firms and London practices because of their experience with modern buildings and concrete structures.

She added that the Lido team were pleased to give a boost to the local economy by hiring a local firm.

The Lido CIC team are raising £5 million to return the 1930s building to its heydays after being granted a 60-year lease in December.

An application for Heritage Lottery funding is to be submitted in April and a result is expected in July.

The team are also hopeful of attracting private investment from individuals with a keen interest in architecture.

Conran and Partners, which was founded by leading designer Sir Terence Conran, has previously worked on a number of key Brighton buildings including Embassy Court.

Paul Zara who heads Conran and Partners’ Brighton office said: “Saltdean Lido is an iconic site of immense cultural value.

“We will work hard using all our experience with modernist and listed buildings to help turn it into a magnificent building for people of all ages to enjoy and love for years to come.”

Sir Terence added that his firm were “delighted” to have been formally appointed by the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company to work with them on the “important job of breathing new life into this beautiful Lido”.

Richard Mason, a director of Saltdean Lido CIC and local architectural consultant, said: “The quality of the proposals we received was extremely high and many firms were understandably keen to get involved with this project.

“Conran’s expertise and passion for modernist architecture shone through and we are delighted to be able to choose a local Brighton-based practice.”

The grade-II* listed lido will host Saltdean’s first outdoor food and drink market April 12 while a beer, wine and cider festival will be held June 6 and June 7.