A bid for £1.95m to carry out improvements to the storm damaged Jubilee Pool in Penzance has been approved by the Government.

The news means that work can begin on repairing the iconic structure and ensuring its long term future.

The bid to the Coastal Communities Fund was jointly submitted by Cornwall Council, Penzance Town Council and the Friends of Jubilee Pool in May.

The funding means that essential structural works on the pool, including repairs to the storm damage, can now be carried out. It also includes a funding package to help to increase users and visitors to the Pool so that it can become more sustainable in the future.

These include the development of a new management structure, hosting events and a range of new aquatic activities, such as group fitness, water polo, kayaking and sailing.

Cornwall Council says that visitor numbers to the pool, the largest seawater Lido in the country, have been increasing in recent years and that it remains an important asset for both the community and economy of Penzance.

Adam Paynter, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for partnerships, said: “This is really good news. Jubilee Pool is a highly valued facility in Penzance and I would like to thank the Town Council and the Friends of Jubilee Pool in working with the Council to securing this funding from the Government. ”

“Cornwall Council, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and the Town Council are providing match funding to support this project , and I know that the Friends of Jubilee Pool are working extremely hard to raise money to support the repairs and the ongoing running of the Pool.

The mayor of Penzance David Nebesnuick said “I am delighted, on behalf of the people of Penzance, that our Coastal Communities bid to repair and restore the Jubilee Pool, after the storm damage, has been successful.”

“The Pool is an iconic structure with national importance as one of the few remaining Art Deco seawater pools. It is much loved and well used by local people and visitors and we all look forward to its reinstatement over the next few months.

"The Town Council had contributed a large proportion of its funds to ensure that this bid was strong. As Mayor I look forward to the pool returning next year to the town council's management so that it can once again become an integral part of the town's life.”

The announcement has also been welcome by the Friends of Jubilee Pool.

“The Friends of Jubilee Pool will be overjoyed at this news,” said Martin Nixon, the chairman of the Friends.

“However we will continue to campaign on the pool's behalf and fight for its longer term sustainability, because despite this decision the pool's longer term operation will depend on it being less dependent on public funding.

“We believe it is crucial to the regeneration of Penzance and is an extraordinary amenity as well as a nationally recognised treasure, so it's fabulous to see that the funders also share our view."

Following confirmation of the funding, surveys and works will now be programmed to allow the work to progress as quickly as possible. The project will be delivered by a partnership including Cornwall Council, Tempus Leisure, Penzance Town Council, the Friends of the Pool and Cornwall Development Company.