Abandoned 200-year-old lido is being transformed into ‘vibrant' UK tourist landmark under new plans
SPLASHING OUT Abandoned 200-year-old lido is being transformed into 'vibrant' UK tourist landmark under new plans
AN abandoned seaside lido complex is up for sale leaving residents hopeful that the once "vibrant" landmark will return to its former glory.
The 200-year-old site is on the market for an undisclosed price, reports the BBC.
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The historical lido is up for sale
Credit: Alamy
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The lido has fallen into disrepair since its closure in the 1980s
Credit: Getty
Historic 200-year-old Lido for sale
The lido was one of the town's most popular in its heydey, however the complex has remained closed since the 1980s.
Storm damage and changing tourism led to the downfall of the complex, which has since fallen into disrepair.
Now, two plots of land at the Cliftonville Lido complex in Margate, Kent, which also encompass the Grade II listed Clifton Baths, are up for sale.
Proposals for site's redevelopment
This comes after a feasibility report carried out by Lee Evans Architecture proposed the site could be redeveloped in 2018.
Among the redevelopment ideas were a 100-bed boutique spa and hotel and 90 apartments built into the cliff side.
Estate agents Knight Frank, also shared this enthusiasm.
James Barton, from the agency, told the BBC: "The lido could once again become a vibrant focal point for the town, supporting tourism, the local economy, and the wider community."
Mr Barton added that the complex had "considerable potential to deliver a scheme that celebrates Margate's rich heritage."
Knight Frank also confirmed that the site had "potential for a variety of alternative uses subject to necessary planning consents."
Lido's iconic history
The lido was originally built as the Clifton Baths in 1824, with the Lee Evans report describing it as "the forefront of commercialising the pursuit of sea bathing in the late Georgian period and the pioneering use of sea bathing machines."
Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades
It was later transformed into a lido in 1926 - complete with a new outdoor open swimming pool and electricity installed at the ozone baths.
By 1938, it was renamed Clifton Lido, however, 15 years later in February 1953, it suffered storm damage.
The surviving parts of the Georgian Clifton Baths structure includes the sea bathing pools and tunnels.
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Estate agents believe that the site has "considerable potential"
Credit: Getty
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The lido was originally built in 1824
Credit: Getty
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