Historical seafront complex is on the market

A historical seafront complex in Kent is now on the market for an undisclosed price.

Two plots of land at the Cliftonville Lido complex in Margate, which also encompasses the Grade II listed Clifton Baths, is up for sale.

The lido was one of the town's most popular tourist attractions in its heyday.

However, it was closed in 1980s due to a combination of storm damage and changing tourism habits and has since fallen into disrepair.

In 2018, a feasibility report carried out by Lee Evans Architecture proposed the site could be redeveloped, with ideas including a 100-bed boutique spa hotel and 90 one- and two-bedroom apartments built into the cliffside.

Estate agents Knight Frank confirmed the site had "potential for a variety of alternative uses subject to the necessary planning consents".

James Barton, from the agency, said the site had "considerable potential to deliver a scheme that celebrates Margate's rich heritage".

"The lido could once again become a vibrant focal point for the town, supporting tourism, the local economy, and the wider community," he added.

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".

The Clifton Baths was transformed into a lido in 1926, which included a new outdoor open swimming pool and electricity installed at the ozone baths.

Its name then changed to Clifton Lido in 1938. However, 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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