Earlier this year, the tenant temporarily closed the amusements and children's rides in the central area of the lido to allow essential remedial works to take place and ensure they remained safe for families to enjoy. Throughout this period, the other independent businesses operating from the lido have continued trading as normal.

As those works progressed, it became clear the investment required exceeded the tenant's available resources, and he therefore decided to bring his tenancy to an end.

The tenant has since informed the council of his decision to leave the site and end his tenancy. The council and tenant share the ambition of seeing the lido thrive once again through renewed investment and a fresh long-term vision, and are working together to ensure a smooth transition.

The council will shortly take over responsibility for the site and begin a programme of essential repairs, including preparing the central open-air area for use once again. This investment represents an important first step in the wider regeneration of the lido, while the council continues to apply for the additional external funding needed for its long-term restoration. The independent businesses, including the café, will continue trading as normal.

The council would like to thank the outgoing tenant for the entertainment and enjoyment provided to residents and visitors over the years and wishes him success in the future.

Once the improvement works have been completed, the council will begin seeking a new tenant with the vision and experience to help bring the historic attraction back to life, ensuring the lido can once again become a vibrant destination at the heart of Worthing's promenade. More details about the opportunity will be shared later this year.

Councillor Caroline Baxter, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The lido is one of our town's most recognisable landmarks and this investment marks the beginning of a new chapter for its future. By taking action now, we're making the site safer, enabling the independent businesses to continue trading, including the café, while we develop plans for the wider regeneration that residents have told us they want to see.

"I'd like to thank our outgoing tenant for everything he has done for the lido over many years. Generations of local families and visitors have enjoyed spending time there, and we're grateful for the commitment he has shown and for working with us to ensure a positive handover. Wishing him all the very best for the future.

“Our focus is now on restoring the lido as a destination that complements our seafront, supports the independent businesses already based there and creates new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Thank you to our local MPs and the new Worthing Lido Community Group for their continued support for the future of this landmark.

“This will take time and will require us to work with a range of partners and secure significant external investment, but we're determined to give our iconic landmark the future it deserves."

Alongside the lido, the council is delivering a sustained programme of investment to improve the town centre, seafront, and surrounding neighbourhoods over the coming years, helping maintain public spaces, improve the street scene and create places people can be proud of.

A key focus of the Pride in Worthing initiative will be getting everyone working together - councils, businesses, partners and the community - to improve the borough and make it cleaner, greener and better maintained throughout the year.

The council is bringing together everything that's already happening, identifying where improvements are needed and working with partners, businesses and the community to agree shared priorities and coordinate action.