England Landmarks list
TWO of Brighton and Hove's most iconic buildings have been named as amongst the most important seaside buildings in the country.
Brighton's Royal Pavilion and Saltdean Lido are named in Historic England’s top seven coastal landmarks – a list compiled by historian Allan Brodie that “sums up the best of the English seaside”.
Historic England, rebranded from English Heritage this year, is hoping to encourage more visitors to the seaside with its top seven recommendations after a coastal resort revival in recent years.
Mr Brodie, who is Historic England’s senior investigator, said reinvention of Britain’s seaside resorts has been vital to regeneration after a slow period of decline.
He said: “Seaside resorts have been reinventing themselves quite successfully.
“The seaside pier is still a great place to walk, as it always has been, but they are now adding on other things, such as cafés, art galleries and new forms of entertainment."
Brighton Pavilion began life as a farmhouse before being developed into a seaside retreat for the Prince of Wales, later King George IV, in 1787.
One of the city's second most recognisable landmarks - alongside the piers - the Pavilion mixes Regency grandeur with the opulence of India and China.
The Grade II*-listed Saltdean Lido is one of only three seaside lidos still in use in England. It was built in 1938 and has closed and re-opened various times since, most recently opening its doors again this year after receiving a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Bridget Fishleigh, director of Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, said: “We hope Brighton and Hove City Council has seen Historic England’s list and that as a result they put the Lido further up on its agenda. We’ve always said attractions like the Lido are unique and should be preserved and maintained for future generations to enjoy."
The number of Britons taking seaside holidays has remained flat since 2008, according to VisitEngland. Statistics reveal there were 12.9million trips in 2014, with spending of £3.1billion.
Councillor Alan Robins, deputy chair of the economic development and culture committee, said holidaymakers were now choosing seaside resorts like Brighton and Hove over trips abroad.
He said: "It's great news we've got two on Historic England's list. They mention a seaside revival, but I don't know if Brighton and Hove has ever not been a draw in the 50 odd years I've been here. We've always had crowds.
"It's not the idea anymore that people go away for a fortnight in the summer to Spain. People like a long weekend in places like Brighton. They want a taste of the English seaside."
