RENOVATION of a Grade II listed lido will cost at least £2 million, according to a new report.
The multi-million pound work is to be carried out to repair and preserve the concrete substructure of the Lido in Marine Parade, Worthing ahead of plans to revive it as a tourist attraction.
Several options to revive the landmark are being considered, including returning it to its original theatre and music venue, bringing back a heated swimming pool, possibly including a small boutique hotel or providing a new food court in the space.
A report to be shown to Adur and Worthing Councils’ joint strategic committee (JSC) tonight recommends an extensive period of consultation with people in the town about what they would like to see there.
Currently, a report on repairs to the substructure above the foundations is being drafted which states that around £2 million is needed for the work.
Worthing Borough Council currently spends around £11,000 a year to maintain the structure against the seaside elements. The council “recognises it is coming to the end of its natural life and more significant work is required.”
Councillor Nicola Waight, Worthing’s executive member for regeneration, said: “The Lido has been a much loved attraction for residents and visitors over the years but now it needs some extra care from us to give it a bright future. We need to invest more in the Lido to make sure it remains one of our major seafront destinations
“As we move forward we will involve the community in these deliberations but rest assured the Lido will be part of our wonderful seafront for decades to come.”
The Lido was originally built as a bandstand enclosure in 1925 on the site of the old ‘bird cage’ band stand which dates from 1897. The current ‘D’ shaped enclosure was built on an extended elevated substructure over the foreshore.
The swimming pool was added in 1957, which is when the structure became known as the Lido. The pool was decommissioned in 1989 with a concrete slab placed over it.
The extra weight of the swimming pool and subsequent slab has "taken its toll" on the concrete surface and pillars that support the base.
The meeting takes place at 6.30pm tonight.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel