The Saltdean Lido crowdfunding campaign has hit its £100,000 target thanks to more than 1,200 pledges from the public.
The crucial total was reached this evening (Tuesday 29 May) with a £7,000 donation from the Regency Society – the largest civic society in Brighton and Hove.
The crowdfunding campaign was started by the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) which was told to show that it had public support by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The fund has set aside £4.19 million for the next phase of the restoration of the art deco pool and building.
But it wanted to be sure that the project was sustainable hence the request for the public show of support.
Last summer the 1930s pool was restored and reopened for the first time in years – and with heating to make the water more temperate. This was phase one.
The next phase is a £6.8 million project to renovate the main building and run it as a café, events venue and community space.
CIC director said that the Lido pavilion would make the perfect setting for a wedding reception, for example.
Sally Horrox, who chairs the Saltdean Lido CIC, said: “We would like to thank the Regency Society who have pledged £7,000 this evening which has got us to our target on our Crowdfunder.
“We are absolutely delighted with the news and cannot thank everyone enough for what they have done.
“From toddler walks and quiz nights through to swimathons and sponsored runs we have been blown away by pledges from community groups, schools, church groups, local businesses and most of all local and not-so-local folk just committed to saving Saltdean Lido.
“It’s been amazing and we’re so proud to be part of such an amazing community.
“The job’s not finished and there is still a lot to fund so please anyone still doing things for the crowdfunder continue and go to our website with any queries or our social channels.
“Thank you on behalf of Saltdean Lido and fingers crossed on the Heritage Lottery Fund decision in June.
“The Regency Society is Brighton and Hove’s largest civic society and is a registered charity.
