Since then the council has 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.

As the lido is such an important heritage building locally, the council has discussed the potential solutions with The Worthing Society and West Sussex County Council. Its 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.

The council is also 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 the council could fund both the necessary repairs to the substructure and the regeneration of the buildings above. Under the new approach, the council will focus its 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, the council will 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, officers are 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.

Councillor Sophie Cox, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “Our residents have 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.

“This is a critical time for the future of the lido but it feels really positive that there is a clear plan to save this unique building.

“We still need to find the millions of pounds for even the least expensive substructure option. But 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.”

Susan Belton, the chairman of The Worthing Society, said: “There is real enthusiasm from our own members and local residents to progress this project, which appropriately has been launched in the building’s centenary year.

“We recognise that the initial phase must be to focus on securing the substructure to ensure the sustainability of this heritage building. We also welcome the council’s commitment to invest in the seafront to contribute to Worthing’s economy, and look forward to taking part in the ongoing discussions for this challenging but exciting and vital project.”

The council is investing in Worthing’s seafront and the town centre to protect its heritage and make the area more attractive for residents and visitors.

Earlier this month the council announced that its engineers were working with structural experts on a plan for a permanent repair to the damaged section of Worthing Pier in 2026. 

Work has also begun with the Environment Agency on a vital coastal defence programme to protect homes and businesses along the seafront and in the town centre for the next decade.