Saltdean Lido: Appeal for memories of glory days

Saltdean Lido’s art deco building is set to reopen later this year and volunteers helping to restore it are asking for people’s memories of the venue’s glory days.

First opened in 1938, the Lido’s main building in Saltdean Park Road was almost demolished in 2010.

Saltdean Lido in its glory days (Image: Saltdean Lido CIC)

According to the lido trust, restoration work on the main building is progressing well.

When complete, the building will be host to an Art Deco-themed café, a restaurant, heritage hub and a library.

There will also be rooms which local community groups can hire.

The heritage hub, paid for by a National Lottery heritage fund grant, will tell the story of the Lido’s long and proud history and of Saltdean as a resort.

• READ MORE: Saltdean Lido building near Brighton set to reopen later this year

The Saltdean Lido team has been working with the National Oral History Society to train a local people to collect memories of the Lido for a section of the heritage hub. 

Cleaning at Saltdean Lido

“A core feature of our heritage hub will be the oral history zone which will preserve and display people’s memories so their stories can be listened to and enjoyed for generations to come,” said Deryck Chester, who is heritage trustee at Saltdean Lido.

“We would love to hear from anyone who has happy memories or interesting anecdotes about their experiences of the Lido from when it opened in 1938 right up to when it closed in 2000.” 

Aerial picture of Saltdean Lido in its glory days Mr Chester added: “Swimmers, holidaymakers, day trippers, local residents past or present, anyone who has used the community centre over the years – there must be so many brilliant stories of the Lido and we want to capture as many of them as possible.

“If you remember the long-lost diving platform, the 1980s slide, the 1960s pirate ship climbing frame, the spring boards, long sunny days by the pool, learning to swim at the Lido, going to the youth club or just have happy memories of Saltdean and the Lido you would like to share, please get in touch.”

A sunbather tanning at Saltdean Lido

• Anyone who would like to be interviewed as part of the project, or who has any mementos from the Lido they would like to donate or loan, should email: info@saltdeanLido.co.uk