Conran and Partners has joined forces with the a campaign group bidding to safeguard the future of a historic 1930s lido in Saltdean, East Sussex.

The London-based architects will work with Save Saltdean Lido to draw up plans for the future of the Grade II-listed venue, which has been earmarked for a residential scheme by its current owner. Saltdean Lido is leased by Dennis Audley from Brighton and Hove City Council and is planning the development of 80 flats at the site, although the campaign is looking to retain swimming pool facilities.

Efforts to have the venue's listing upgraded to Grade II* status has been drawn up for consideration by English Heritage, with work to provide a sustainable future for the site to continue. Campaign spokesperson Rebecca Crook said: "One of our core objectives over the next few months is to complete our business plan encompassing both our and the community's aspirations.

"Conran and Partners' expertise will prove invaluable throughout this process." Conran and Partners director Paul Zara added: "[The lido] is an icon for Saltdean, at the very heart of the community. It deserves to be preserved and enhanced and we will do all we can to assist."