Ocean Hotel
Planning permission was granted during the summer for the conversion of Saltdean’s derelict Ocean Hotel into flats. The exterior may be in a mess at present but don’t let its looks deceive you for this is a Modern building of great significance.
For centuries, Saltdean was just a few isolated buildings on a large area of downland. Work on most of the present housing began in 1916 when the land was acquired by the speculator, Charles Neville, who dreamed of developing everywhere between Rottingdean and Newhaven. The Ocean Hotel sits on a diamond shaped plot north of the Saltdean Lido. Both are fine examples of the seaside architecture of the period and both were designed by Richard Jones and constructed by the Saltdean Estate Company, which was formed by Neville in 1924.
The Grade II Listed building is to be restored and turned into 279 flats of which 102 will be ‘affordable’. The ugly blocks to the south of the main building which house guest rooms and the swimming pool, amongst other things, are to be demolished and replaced with new residential blocks. The exterior will be revamped and the ornamental gardens restored. Frankly, I can’t wait.
