Worthing Borough Council has said the first £1million needed to secure the future of the lido has been identified.

The council has said it has allocated £1.29million of community infrastructure levy funding – money paid by developers to support local communities and infrastructure – to pay for essential work to strengthen the lido’s substructure and enable its long-term regeneration.

A spokesperson said: “This is the first time such a significant sum has been set aside for the lido. Key stakeholders are working together as part of a new focused approach to bring it back to life for future generations. Surveys have taken place this year to assess the load-bearing capacity of the lido’s substructure.

“The lido needs significant investment just to ensure its long-term safety, with millions of pounds likely to be needed to shore up its foundations.

The council has said the lido needs 'significant investment just to ensure its long-term safety'

placeholder image — The council has said the lido needs 'significant investment just to ensure its long-term safety'

“In December 2024, the council received advice from structural experts that the chalk bed on which the lido sits could support strengthened foundations. Since then we have been exploring options to secure the substructure of the Grade II listed building.”

With the lido an important part of Worthing’s heritage, the council is discussing options with the Worthing Society, Historic England and West Sussex County Council – with the priority being resolving issues with the substructure before the building deteriorates to the point where full closure becomes unavoidable.

“Once an agreement has been reached about what approach should be taken with the substructure, the council will launch a marketing campaign to find a partner to take on the project of redeveloping the lido buildings and space,” the spokesperson said.

“Heritage groups and the community will all have a key role to play in helping shape the best option for Worthing.

Worthing Borough Council leader Sophie Cox said the community had made it clear how much the lido means to them

“In the meantime, the council is working to get a detailed assessment of the total cost of the work required to the substructure. Early forecasts suggest the work will cost at least £4.5million.

“Talks have also begun with West Sussex County Council and other partners about securing additional investment, but it’s expected that other sources of funding will be needed to bridge the remaining gap to the target.”

Councillor Sophie Cox, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The community has made it clear how much the lido means to them and that they want us to invest in it for the decades to come. We're determined to make that a reality.

“Using more than £1million from the community infrastructure levy shows our commitment to turning plans into action, but we know that more is needed to cover even the least expensive substructure solution.

“The conversations we've had with important community groups like The Worthing Society give me confidence that we're all working together with a shared purpose.”

The council said it was continuing to invest in the seafront and town centre to protect the area’s heritage and make the it more attractive for residents and visitors. The storm damaged section of Worthing Pier is also due to receive a permanent fix this summer and autumn, and works are continuing with the Environment Agency on a defence programme to protect the town’s coastline for the next decade.