b u l l e t i n the University of Sussex newsletter
Student Saves Saltdean Lido
Psychology student Mark Bunting has put together a £1.5 million salvage proposal for Saltdean Lido. "It's a beautiful building and I really didn't want to see it fall into a dilapidated state," says Mark a mature student in CCS, who used to live in Saltdean and is still involved with the local community. "It's a two-sided plan - the community needed facilities and the lido needed saving." The rescue plan takes an unusual approach, putting affordability before profit-making. All the financial plans have been based on a five pound family day ticket. "It's a slightly new concept - we've looked at it from the position of the community," says Mark. "We've struck a balance between providing facilities for the community, and providing a reasonable return to keep those facilities open. It's got to be profitable and self-sufficient, generating enough funds to keep itself going and give a return to those involved." Saltdean Lido will be the first public Art Deco building to be reconstructed. Built in 1935, the lido's architecture won it a place in London's Design Museum, but the facility has proved too costly for Brighton Council to maintain. Mark's reconstruction plans include the addition of a heated pool and a 1930s theme restaurant, and he is looking forward to seeing his hard work pay off - the lido should be up and running by next summer. | |
Friday May 30th 1997Information Office internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk |