Most lidos were built in the 1930s, at a time when many of the working population began to enjoy reduced hours and paid holidays. Public health was also an issue: contemporary medical theories extolled the benefits of sunlight and open-air pursuits. Now, however, vistas for the British lido aren't so sunny. Dwindling funds and the ease of jetting off to warmer beaches abroad has meant the plug has been pulled on some of the UK's most famous lidos. Many have been demolished while the remaining few struggle to stay afloat.
Saltdean Lido, near Brighton
In 1937, at the height of the German-inspired fashion for open air bathing, Richard Jones opened his streamlined Saltdean Lido near Brighton. It remains the outstanding example of Marine Modernist architecture in Britain. However, its condition has gradually deteriorated since 1997, when Brighton and Hove City Council assigned a 150-year lease to accountant and leisure sector businessman Dennis Audley, and the pool could meet the wrecking ball as part of plans to redevelop the site with flats. Sir Terence Conran's architecture firm has joined the increasingly messy fight to save Saltdean Lido. Sir Terence said: "I find it quite disgraceful that the lido has been left to rot. We must find ways to preserve our architectural heritage and breathe new life in to beautiful old buildings."
Campaigners hope to persuade the council, which owns the lido, to take back the lease from Audley and let them run the Grade II listed baths on a non-profit basis while asking English Heritage to request Grade II* listing. The influential 20th Century Society supports that move. To this end the world is now enriched with 'Save Saltdean Lido' the website, the Facebook page, the petition and even a Twitter account, all coming together with the sole aim of, you've guessed it, saving Saltdean Lido. As a fan of Modernist architecture and an admirer of Sir Terence, I make this unusual step in bringing it to your attention.
Have a look, help if you can and thank you in anticipation.
