The Worthing Society Heritage Team is delighted to have been invited by Worthing West MP Dr Beccy Cooper to join the Worthing Lido Stakeholder Group together with representatives from the local businesses and leisure communities. Worthing’s MPs and the Borough Council are actively involved in attempting to secure funding for the Lido’s preservation and restoration with continued community engagement.
The regeneration of the Lido will be a central part of aspirations to revitalise the seafront and make it an attractive year round destination. Designed by the noted architect Stanley Adshead, the Art Deco style Lido was originally built as a bandstand in 1925. With space for an audience of 2000 people. Regular concerts were held there in what was a multi-entertainment centre.
It was not until 1959 that the outdoor pool was installed. This building is important to the development of Worthing’s inter-war seafront buildings during the Art Deco period. As a Grade II Listed Building of National importance future changes will need to be balanced and sensitive to the original design and complement the nearby Pier Pavilion which is of the same period.
Our Heritage Team is now looking forward to the next meeting with MP’s, the Councils conservation Officer and the advisers from Historic England. The structural integrity of the building is also being assessed. The MP’s and stakeholder group will aim to find a way to formulate the restoration and future use of this unique heritage building which is so important to the character of the seafront. In fact it is a ‘hidden gem’ and could contribute very positively to our tourist economy.
Sue Belton
Chair, Worthing Society.
