Worthing Lido
The lido in Worthing
Worthing's lido is one of the most distinctive features of the town's fabulous seafront. For more than 100 years it has been an entertainment attraction, with generations of locals and visitors having formed wonderful memories of fun days out there.
But the combined effects of age and climate change have left the beautiful structure at risk of being lost to the sea unless millions of pounds are spent securing its foundations and reimagining its future.
Work to save Worthing's lido will begin in 2026 as part of a new focused approach designed to bring it back to life for future generations.
History of the lido
The oldest part of what is now the lido appeared in 1897, when a birdcage bandstand was constructed on the promenade. A shelter followed in 1907 and then a Grade II bandstand enclosure in 1925, when the site was still a performing space.
The site was converted to house a small unheated swimming pool in 1957, which the lido operated as until the 1980s. The pool's final use was as a temporary home for dolphins while Brighton Sealife Centre was being renovated. It was then covered over and the site became an entertainment centre.
Photo: The original bandstand with Worthing Pier in the background (old postcard)
Photo: The bandstand in the Lido (old postcard)
Photo: The swimming pool at the Lido, Worthing
Photos: the bandstand and amusements inside the Lido today
The lido today
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.
In December 2024, we 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 better support the substructure of the Grade II-listed building.
One option identified would involve filling the void between the substructure and the beach, using a combination of sand, stones and boulders.
What is clear is that the project will require millions of pounds of investment. In the meantime, the current tenant continues to run the site as a family entertainment centre and cafe.
Photos: Worthing Lido
Photos: looking under the Lido - the substructure and supporting legs
Photos: Worthing Lido entrance and sign
Our plan
As the lido is such an important heritage building locally, we have discussed the potential solutions with The Worthing Society and West Sussex County Council. Our emphasis is on the need to urgently focus its attention on the substructure before the lido becomes so unsafe that it has to be fully closed.
We're working closely with Historic England - the national body tasked with protecting our heritage - to agree on an affordable solution for the lido's foundations.
Discussions in recent years about the lido have struggled to overcome the challenge of how we could fund both the necessary repairs to the substructure and the regeneration of the buildings above. Under our new approach, we will focus our efforts on shoring up the substructure. The task of securing the investment needed to fund the regeneration of the attraction will be the responsibility of a new tenant for the lido.
Once agreement has been reached about what approach should be taken with the substructure, we'll launch a marketing campaign to find a partner to take on the project of redeveloping the lido buildings and space. Heritage groups, the community and other stakeholders will all have a key role to play in helping shape the best option for Worthing.
In the meantime, we're working to get a detailed assessment of the total cost of the work required to the substructure. Early forecasts suggest a cost of around £4.5m at least.
Over £1m of Community Infrastructure Levy funding - money paid by developers to support the community - could potentially be invested in the lido preservation project. Talks have also begun with West Sussex County Council about securing additional investment, but it is expected that other sources of funding will be needed to bridge the gap to the target.
Photo: Worthing Lido - aerial photo
Keeping you informed
The lido holds happy memories for many people from Worthing and around the area so it's unsurprising that what happens to it means so much to the community. We recognise that and will ensure that we keep people informed about what we're doing.
We'll keep this page updated as the project develops and you can also follow news of any developments on our:
Photo: aerial photo of Worthing Lido with the pier in the background
Page last updated: 03 February 2026