VOLUNTEERS aiming to restore a lido to its former glory want to see it once again recognised as a top seafront attraction.

The Argus was given a tour of the interior of the Saltdean Lido building which has been closed to the public for years, revealing the scale of the work required to make current plans for the attraction a reality.

The Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) is calling for more donations towards the project in the final month of the fundraising campaign so that it can raise a total of £103,371.

Deryck Chester, volunteer director of the CIC, said: “Saltdean was an extension to Brighton’s tourism industry in the 1930s.

“We are going to be taking it back to the golden era of the 1930s.

“It was inspired by architecture in Hollywood as well as European architecture.

“There are three key buildings in Brighton which represent the British seaside tourism industry.

“They are the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier and Saltdean Lido, which in terms of its architecture is probably the finest in the UK.

“This needs to be done so it can take its rightful place as one of the key seaside attractions which represents Brighton’s tourism industry.

“None of this will happen unless the public help us meet our target.”

Once the fundraising target is reached, the project will be eligible for further funding of more than £4 million.

Mr Chester started using the pool when he was five years old, which he said drove him to get involved in the project so future generations can enjoy it as he did.

It is the only Grade II listed coastal lido in the UK and was visited by 37,000 people last season after the pool was reopened following a successful revamp.

The building’s interior remains closed to the public, with hoardings in place on parts of the building.

Plans for the main building include restoring the Art Deco ballroom and removing its stage before the room could be used for corporate hire functions, weddings and other entertainment events.

They also include a new rotunda cafe, heritage learning zone and new community centre.

Taking inspiration from the Queen Mary ship’s interior, Mr Chester said the plan is to create a a bright and open dining room.

The fundraising campaign has raised about £31,000 so far, but the group hopes to be awarded the Heritage Lottery grant. To donate visit spacehive.com/saltdean-lido.