A REVAMPED swimming pool is moving closer to fixing its art deco building.

The volunteers at Saltdean Lido have raised 87 per cent of their £101,827 crowdfunding target. They have 22 days left to raise the outstanding £15,000 needed to kick off phase two of the project, the restoration of the building.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has set aside £4.19 million towards the project. But in order to unlock the funds, £104,000 is needed before the lottery committee next meets in early June.

With their target goal in site, and the sun shining for the bank holiday weekend, the Lido hope it will reach the final target before the end of the month and is asking residents to chip in, in more ways than one when it reopens for the summer today.

Deryck Chester, volunteer for the LIDO said; “We’re very excited to be opening Saltdean Lido for this bank holiday weekend.

“This is our second season since we got the site back from the property developer and we’re thrilled to bits with the support we’ve been getting for this beautifully restored pool. We’re also so grateful for all the pledges we’ve received so far.

“We’d like as many people as possible to come along Saturday, Sunday and Monday to enjoy Brighton’s biggest swimming pool. At 40 metres it’s fantastic for serious swimmers or for families and leisure seekers who like to swim in the sunshine or sunbathe on the freshly cut lawns.

“Swimming in the open air is a great tonic for the body and mind and don’t worry, the pool’s heated.”

Fundraising events to help raise some of the outstanding cash have included a clothes swap today, Friday May 24, Yoga on Sunday at 11pm and a swimathon on Monday, June 4. All is being held in the lido grounds.

To celebrate its 80th birthday, on Friday, June 8 the Lido is hosting an Epic 80’s late night swim session and disco. There will be a marquee within the grounds of the lido (so rain or shine the music and party will go ahead), a full bar and food available.

On Saturday, June 9 the Brighton Beach Boys will be playing at the Lido.

Bridgette Fishleigh, Lido volunteer, said “People from all ages and backgrounds have pitched in to help raise funds. Pre-schools and secondary schools have supported us as well as churches and charities, such as PARC, the Rottingdean Parish Council and Saltdean Residents Association.

“ThaiAngle, a local mobile restaurant, has pledged profits from its Friday nights. There has been a sponsored walk by the pre-schoolers, a quiz at Longhill School, a raffle at The Black Horse, and trampolining at Sky High Trampoline Park in Peacehaven,.

“There’s never been a magic money tree for the lido and it’s now down to people who love the lido to please help us.”

For more details about how you can support the crowdfunder – and details about the upcoming events and pool opening times visit www.saltdeanlido.org

Or send a cheque payable to Saltdean Lido Trust (Charity number

1173503) to Saltdean Lido Trust, Saltdean Lido, Park Road, Brighton BN2 8SP

You can also call Bridget on 01273 305 936 to discuss.