Petition Calls for Restoration of Worthing's Historic Lido

Residents in Worthing are calling for urgent action to restore the town’s historic Grade II listed lido, which is said to be in a state of severe disrepair and at risk of collapsing into the sea.

Nearly 500 people have signed a petition urging Worthing Borough Council to restore the lido to its “former glory.” The structure, originally built in 1925 and repurposed over the years, is now described as “distressing” by campaigners who note its graffiti-covered facade and deteriorating condition. The lido even temporarily housed dolphins in 1988 while the Brighton Sealife Centre was undergoing refurbishment.

The council has acknowledged the lido’s importance as a “treasured asset” and plans to involve the community in safeguarding its future. Structural assessments indicate the chalk bed beneath the site could support necessary upgrades, even with the challenges posed by rising sea levels and climate change. However, the project is expected to require significant funding, potentially amounting to several million pounds.

Councillor Rita Garner, cabinet member for regeneration, stated that the council aims to collaborate with residents in 2025 to revitalise the lido as a lasting attraction. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to address the impact of climate change on Worthing’s seafront infrastructure.