Issue 44 winter 24 - Journal - Page 88
Restoration of Saltdean Lido:
Reviving a British Seaside Icon
Saltdean Lido Article - written by Grace Roden, Business Development Co-Ordinator
Saltdean Lido, a much-loved piece of 1930’s British
seaside architecture, has been restored to its former glory
after nearly being converted into flats. Now, as a vibrant,
year-round community venue, it offers everything from
dog swims to co-working spaces, plus a café, gym, library
and ballroom. Thanks to dedicated community efforts
and expert preservation, this Grade II* listed site has been
revived as a cherished social and cultural hub for locals
and visitors alike.
A Complex Restoration Process
As the building’s concrete had severely degraded,
engineers and restoration experts had to develop specific
repair strategies to address issues such as spalling, carbonation and chloride ingress, common problems in coastal
concrete structures. The primary aim was to retain as
much of the original structure as possible, carefully
preserving original features like reeded windows,
balustrades and timber-block flooring where feasible.
The lido is a rare example of Modernist seaside
architecture, instantly recognisable for its Art Deco style
and distinctive, ship-like façade that evokes speed and
elegance. Built with reinforced concrete, with slim walls
and minimal structural supports, which was ground
breaking at this time, it’s unique features have made it a
celebrated landmark, later honoured by English Heritage
as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the English Seaside’.
Concrete repair specialists from Cemplas Waterproofing
& Concrete Repairs Ltd undertook a thorough concrete
condition survey of the Lido’s condition, which led to the
design of targeted interventions to restore the building’s
integrity. A key element was implementing corrosion
protection, including advanced techniques like cathodic
protection, which stop corrosion within the concrete.
These innovative methods, combined with high-performance repair mortars, helped restore the Lido’s structural
integrity while preserving its historic aesthetic.
Decades of exposure to the coastal weather had taken its
toll on the Lido. It’s reinforced concrete structure faced
corrosion, due to the coastal location and the concrete
being compromised of local aggregates from sea-dredging
which proved susceptible to the salty environment, accelerated damage. The building became fragile, urgently
needing a skilled and thoughtful restoration to protect its
unique architectural heritage.
As part of the meticulous restoration process, all existing
coatings on Saltdean Lido’s concrete surfaces were removed, both internally and externally. High-pressure jet
washing was used for the exterior, while grit blasting was
utilised for the interior to ensure a thorough and precise
removal. All defective concrete was carefully removed
using hydro-demolition techniques. This method is
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Above, internal finished
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
86
