A POPULAR lido that opened in the 1930s with its own sunbathing solarium could be demolished to make way for new homes.
The building was used as a bingo hall in recent years but has been vacant since 2023.
Opened to the public on July 10, 1935, Sale Lido also boasted shops and restaurants.
Its main feature was a 130-ft long swimming pool, which could be covered over to form a dancefloor during the winter months.
Now, plans have been submitted jointly by McCarthy Stone and Built Development Ltd which, if approved, would see most of the building in Trafford, Greater Manchester, torn down.
The developers claimed Mecca, which recently operated a bingo hall on the site, had pulled out due to its “state of disrepair”.
Developers said this has led to water leaking into the building and has affected its structure, reported the Manchester Evening News.
Just the lido’s facade would remain under the scheme proposed by the two companies, with two new blocks of flats constructed on adjacent land.
In a Facebook post, residents urged Trafford Council to refuse planning permission.
One wrote: “The Lido’s a Sale landmark, knocking it down would be a stupid decision – even if the facade is kept!
“Is there any kind of form to sign that’s against this happening?”
Another person posted: “More lovely architecture replaced by grey boxes. Why can’t they keep the building?”
A third person said: “Please keep this iconic building. It’s part of Sale.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “An application has been submitted at the site of the former Sale Lido for a housing development of 40 retirement apartments and 39 affordable homes.
“The application is under consideration by the Council and will be determined in due course.”
