This lido started life as a bandstand with the current building created in 1925 and converted to a lido in 1959. A bandstand had been on the site since 1897.
An innovative plastic liner was used to make the concrete pool more attractive but it suffered from tearing and the pool was closed at least four times for repairs. Another innovation was the installation of two underwater speakers to provide music from swimmers.
It was used in 1988 to provide temporary accommodation for the dolphins of the nearby Brighton Sea Life Centre then closed when they returned home.
The pool was covered over during 1989 and has been in continuous use since as an entertainment complex.
A report commissioned by the local authority in 2022 comments..
“A rectangle shell and retaining wall are the only features remaining of the pool hidden underneath an ageing concrete slab surface. Given the structure was designed as a band stand the additional weight on the structure of a swimming pool has meant that the building needed additional inspection and repair to maintain it.”
A link to the full report is below.
In January 2025 a petition was started due to the dilapidation of the structure, which is Grade II listed. Whilst the petition calls for restoration of the lido, it is not clear whether a re-opening of the pool is part of the argument.
| Name | Worthing Lido Marine Parade, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3PX |
| Built / opened | 1925 as a bandstand 1959 conversion to lido |
| Cost | Original building in 1925 was £25,000 Pool conversion £12,000 |
| Dimensions | 100′ x 42′ |
| Water volume | |
| Water type | Purified sea water |
| Depth(s) | 3′ to 7′ 6″ |
| Diving boards | 1m springboard |
| Changing facilities | 31 changing cubicles for women and 23 for men |
| Second pool | Paddling pool approx 40′ x 40′ with aereator in centre |
| Spectator seating | |
| Designer | Stanley Adshead and S.C. Ramsey (1925 building) |
| Date closed | 1988 when used for temporary home for dolphins from nearby Brighton Sea Life Centre then filled in 1989 |
| Status | Covered over with concrete slab |
| On site now | Original building housing entertainment centre |
| Links | The Worthing Lido – Family Entertainment Centre Worthing Lido Review March 2022 Residents concerned about the condition of Worthing Lido | The Argus |
| Last updated | 11th May 2025 |
The Baths Service journal November 1958
Quoted from The Star newspaper
Worthing’s bandstand on the front, which has been losing money for years, may be converted into an open-air swimming pool at a cost of £12,000. The Town Council will consider a scheme for a pool 100 ft. long with 31 changing cubicles for women and 23 for men. A new plastic lining will be used for the pool —it will give a saving of hundreds of pounds, compared with the cost of traditional materials. The pool may be in use next summer.
The Baths Service journal October 1959
Quoted from the Wet Sussex Gazette
More trouble with the plastic lining that holds the water in Worthing’s new open-air swimming pool, the Lido, closed the pool. This is the fourth time that it has been shut for this reason and the loss to the Corporation is considerable. This time experts decided that it was useless to go on repairing the tears which kept appearing in the material, and the whole of the lining was removed for further examination by the makers. The pool has been re-opened looking less attractive, but usable. Mr. Jim Wilkin son, Deputy Borough Engineer, said that the concrete bath would be satisfactory for the rest of the season, but the question of the future lining, tiles or plastic material, would be considered. A report on the pool was given at a meeting of the Entertainments and Baths Committee.
The Baths Service journal August 1960
Quoted from the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald
Worthing Lido is believed to be the first municipal swimming pool in Europe to provide under-water music for its swimmers. Music is relayed through two loudspeakers fitted below surface at the deep end of the pool and can be heard clearly right to the shallow end. The loudspeakers were specifically produced for use at the Lido and with further develop ment may prove valuable for divers engaged on salvage or rescue operations. The equipment and music has been supplied by Reditune Ltd. of Croydon.
