A standoff between the Saltdean Lido and Brighton and Hove City Council over a £70,000 stumbling block could be resolved with a crowdfunding campaign.
The Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) is asking people to buy a brick for Christmas to raise enough money to pay for unexpected work to an electricity substation.
Up to 2,5000 bricks will make up a Wall of Fame alongside the main pool featuring the names of sponsors, their loved ones or even their businesses.
In a video accompanying the campaign, director Rebecca Crook said: “We’ve had a really long road over the last five years. We’ve raised £8m and this is the people’s lido, and now we’re asking for your help.
“We need to raise £70,000 for the electricity substation. You may have read about it in the press. Basically, there’s not enough power for the lido. So with your help, you can buy a brick from £50 up to £500. It makes a perfect Christmas present.
“We’re going to have a new wall built here, next to our new substation which we’ve already spent £700,000 on. Heated water, the place will be amazing next summer, this will be the place to come.
Options available are:
- Single Brick with black writing. 1 name eg Richard Foster. £50
- Single brick with gold writing. 1 name. £85
- Medium brick (2 x single) Multiple names eg Richard, Rachel, Robert and Rose Foster. £200 – black writing, £250 – gold writing
- Large brick (3 x single). A longer dedication. In loving memory of Richard Foster who loved this lido 1904- 1984. This option suitable for businesses eg Richard Foster Plumbing and Heating . £500 – black or gold writing
- Sponsor a beach hut. Your name and message will be in large letters on the outside and inside of the hut. “In memory of Richard Foster who lived in Saltdean all his life and loved the lido. 1926-1996” When you come for a swim, this beach hut can be used exclusively by your party. £3,500
The restoration of the lido was put on hold in early October after it was discovered that the existing substation could not provide enough power to heat the lido.
The unexpected setback arose partly because a substation, which was detailed in documents given to the CIC by Brighton and Hove City Council on which they had based their budgets, had been removed before the its lease had expired.
Brighton and Hove City Council said it had no legal obligation to give the CIC the money, instead offering a £10,300 loan.
