Broomhill Lido secures funding for restoration
The Grade II listed pool in Ipswich will get a revamp, ready to reopen in 2026
New funding means work to renovate a grade two listed lido in Ipswich can begin - after long delays.
Broomhill Pool closed in 2002 - it was due to be renovated in 2020, but that was paused due to the pandemic.
Now, Fusion-Lifestyle, which will manage the pool, has announced it's secured grant funding from The National Heritage Lottery Fund and Ipswich Borough Council to complete the long-planned restoration of the historic site.
The grants will help cover the almost £10m required to complete the project, with the restoration seeing the open-air pool in the centre of Ipswich brought back to life; providing swimming, fitness, and community facilities to the local area.
"This historic local landmark will be restored to its former glory"
Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, said: “Ipswich Borough Council is thrilled... Thanks to funding from the Council, Fusion Lifestyles, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this historic local landmark will be restored to its former glory.
"The restoration of Broomhill Lido stands as testament to the Council’s and Fusion Lifestyle’s tenacity and strategic commitment, alongside the support of our community to bring this cherished attraction into use.
"Ipswich Borough Council is providing a £3.3 million grant to the partnership, which will see the regeneration of Broomhill Lido, creating an attraction which entices more people to work, live, and visit Ipswich.”
"It is a local treasure"
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt, said: “This is an exciting project, and I’m pleased to see everyone’s hard work pay off.
"I have worked tirelessly in support of the Broomhill Lido; I believe it is a local treasure which has created a great many memories for the people of Ipswich, and I’m thrilled that we will be able to support this legacy for future generations.”
Fusion-Lifestyle says work will take place over a two-year period, with a planned opening in early 2026.
Mark Rogers, Communities and Partnerships Director, at Fusion-Lifestyle said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver this exciting project and reinstate the Broomhill Lido at the heart of the local community.
"It’s been a long-planned project that we’re sure will delight the community. We want to take the opportunity to thank The National Heritage Lottery Fund and Ipswich Borough Council for all their support in making this happen”.
"Delighted"
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "We are delighted to support Fusion Lifestyle with their ambitious plans for the restoration and redevelopment of Broomhill Lido. Once restored, Broomhill Lido aims to be an inclusive, vibrant hub which gives renewed purpose to a site steeped in history.
"At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we aim to ensure heritage sites like this Grade II listed lido are valued and sustained for all to enjoy now and into the future, and we look forward to seeing visitors and locals enjoy the Lido when it reopens."