Guess the Place

[Beachbum]

Isle of Grain Refinery? Now Thamesport Container Terminal?

[John Walker]

Right - here we go. Your next GTP.


Where is this and what is there now ?

[Beachbum]

Lido Complex :

I did a full tour of the site in the mid 1990's. The structure is soaked with metal rot and blown concrete.In my view, beyond saving.There has been a history of so called redevelopments schemes and disputes.
The Winter Gardens will now follow the same route.

[MartinR]

I said I was researching, well this is the latest information that I have found.  The owners, Stour Side Investments/Stour Side Developments went into administration during July 2017.  As of 2021 the administrators, Duff & Phelps, are considering a sale of the whole site.  The administration will come to an end on 11 July 2023 and it appears that a company has paid a £25,000 deposit for a fixed price option.

There is a voluntary organisation, "Save the Lido" who have been clearing rubbish from the site (by the ton) and have organised laser mapping of the whole complex, including the underground sections which was completed by Thanet Council.  This was during 2020, apparently they were unable to access the site during 2021.  Their work was funded by a £44,000 from the Coastal Revival Fund.


Also in October 2021 a large hole in the carpark adjacent to the sea wall has appeared.

In summary, some people are trying to preserve the site, some people are hoping to develop it, the council is interested, BUT it's all tied up in administration.

[John Walker]

That's a shame MartinR.  I can foresee the deterioration continuing.


I'll put the next GTP up this evening.

[MartinR]

The official listing is for "REMAINS OF THE CLIFTON BATHS AT CLIFTONVILLE LIDO, ETHELBERT TERRACE".

The surviving parts of the Clifton Baths are designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

• Constructed between 1824-28 this is one of the earliest surviving seawater bathing establishments in the country, only two listed examples being earlier in date, both of which were later converted to residential accommodation.
• The lower reservoir is probably the earliest surviving seawater plunge bath in the country;
• The circular chamber and bathing machine tunnel of the Clifton Baths are the only known examples of purpose-built structures built to store bathing machines and convey them to the beach;
• The Clifton Baths is the only known example of a sea bathing establishment which was dug out of the cliffs, altering the existing topography.

The nightclub was constructed before the remains were listed (1962 vs 2008) and I doubt that anyone would be looking to protect the nightclub specific features, only the historic Clifton Baths fabric.  AFAIK there are no preservation/restoration/access plans ATM, the owners are just not allowed to damage the remains.

[John Walker]

An interesting thread.  Do you know what the state of the Hades nightclub is now Beachbum?  I would hope some work has been carried out if its listed.


Next GTP coming up when this thread has finished 

[MartinR]

The dome was originally freestanding and 33' high which protruded above ground level.  This was truncated during the 1920s reconstruction of the site.  The gallery and stairs date fropm 1962, but I have no information about the two concrete piers and the girders supporting the roof.  I suspect that they are from the 1920s, but on the other hand they seem to be as one with the platform.

[Beachbum]

A better view of the Dome.......

[Beachbum]

Hades, Another shot.............

[MartinR]

That's excellent Beachbum.  You can see two of the alcoves which were constructed for the bathing machines and circular dance floor which was where the horses could turn around.  does anyone have any more shots within the area?

[Beachbum]

Hades was a great Nightclub with Spencer the DJ. Regular fights meant plastic beer pints.Very dark inside with a Kitchen up some stairs and a balcony to view the dance floor.


I went back in 1990's and was shocked at the poor condition structurally, but amazed by the huge complex and it's past.

[Beachbum]

Lido complex photo attached showing the Railway lift

[MartinR]

The nightclub was constructed in 1962 by adding a concrete curved staircase and gallery to the original (now listed) circular chamber.  This was constructed 1824-28 for the storage of bathing machines and formed part of the Clifton Baths.  The circular chamber has 8 alcoves where the bathing machines were stored, the large circular area allowing the horses to turn around.  A tunnel connected the chamber to the beach.  Also connected was the "Lower Reservoir" which was a rectangular structure filled by the tides.  It was used as a plunge pool for ladies and children, men of course used the sea.

[shoot999]

Taken from the top of the cliffs in the 50s