A Triumph of Heritage: Saltdean Lido Shortlisted for the AJ Architectural Awards 2025

I'm incredibly proud to announce that a project I had the privilege of photographing, the magnificent Saltdean Lido, has been shortlisted for the prestigious AJ Architectural Awards 2025 in the Heritage Project category! This recognition is a testament to the remarkable team effort that has brought this iconic building back to life, honouring its past while securing its future. As an architectural photographer with a great deal of experience in heritage and conservation projects, it is a tremendous honor to have my work contribute to this recognition.

The Lido’s journey has been one of inspiring dedication, transforming a beloved piece of local art deco history from a state of decline into a thriving community hub. Our focus throughout this architectural photography project was to capture this spirit of revival—to tell the story of a place that is once again vibrant and full of life. It’s an honour to have this work featured as part of a platform that champions excellence within the architectural industry.

The restoration has been a huge success driven by the community and supported by major partners. This kind of heritage architecture photography allows me to highlight the intricate details of a building's history while showcasing its new life. As Liz Pollard, Heritage at Risk Projects Officer at Historic England, said:

“The restoration and reopening of Saltdean Lido is a huge achievement, and one Historic England is proud to have played our part in... The Lido is now a hive of activity and this much cherished building can safely be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.”

It's more than just a beautifully restored building—it's a home for the community. The fact that the judging panel will be visiting the Lido to help them decide the winner is a fantastic next step, and we’re all excited for them to experience the energy of the space for themselves. For any architect or firm seeking an architectural photographer in the South of England, this project serves as a key example of the quality and passion brought to every shoot.

This project is a powerful reminder of how important it is to preserve our architectural heritage. The continued success of the Lido is a result of a true team effort, and I want to extend my congratulations to everyone involved, incliuding but I'm sure not covering everyone: RH Partnership, SLCIC, Cotton Thompson Cole, QED Structures, MCA Consulting Engineers, Stephen Cheesman, Southdowns Safety, Lewis Co Planning Consultants, Sweco UK, and Buxton Building.

I’m looking forward to finding out about the results of the awards night on Thursday, 27 November, at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel. Good luck to everyone shortlisted!

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