New life could be breathed into a dilapidated 1970s sailing club building.

The once “bustling” cafe and bar at Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club closed late last year due to concerns over its rusting steel frame.

More than £185,000 has been saved to restore the building but the sailing club said it needs to raise another £20,000.

The club has more than 1,000 members currently.

The Argus: Members outside the clubhouseMembers outside the clubhouse (Image: Supplied)

Terry Jones, commodore at the sailing club, said: “The clubhouse building located in Marine Parade unfortunately shuttered its doors in November last year and is now cordoned off.

"For the past 15 years, the building has served as a bustling cafe, drawing locals and tourists alike.

“However, after over five decades of use without significant renovation, the clubhouse has reached the end of its lifespan and requires extensive repairs to reopen.

“Supporters are urged to visit the club's Crowdfunder page and contribute to this vital cause.

“The goal is not only to ensure that future generations of sailors and social members can enjoy the facilities enjoyed by past generations, but also to enhance inclusivity, safety and community engagement along Seaford seafront.”

The clubhouse was built in the early 1970s and had an upper level on a steel frame.

The lower level was added later to accommodate facilities such as restrooms and changing rooms.

The Argus:

However exposure to harsh weather over the years led to corrosion of the steel structure which ultimately led to the closure of the building.

The sailing club has saved £185,000 over time but said this sum falls short of covering the full renovation costs.

The club said any surplus funds will be used to improve accessibility for elderly and disabled members and replenish club reserves depleted by the reconstruction project.

The building was described as being at “the end of its life” in a 2012 structural survey.

The Argus reported in October last year how the building was at risk of being demolished.

Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club was first founded in 1952 and includes windsurfers and catamaran users as well as kayakers and canoeists.