Project to restore Broomhill Lido in Ipswich granted extra funding by NW Ipswich Big Local Trust

A project to restore a vacant Ipswich lido has been granted additional funding.

Broomhill Pool Trust has secured a £10,000 grant from NW Ipswich Big Local Trust (BLT).

Plans to revamp and reopen the grade II listed Broomhill Lido, in Sherrington Road, were approved last week, which means work could begin soon after a 22 year battle by campaigners.

The grant follows news that the Broomhill restoration hit a funding shortfall, although Fusion Lifestyle, the developers, were still targeting a spring 2026 launch date.

Julie Marker, community officer of the BLT, visited the pool earlier this year.

She said stepping into the old lido was ‘like entering a time capsule’.

Ms Marker added: “The once vibrant community hub, frozen in time, now stands as a testament to bygone days. But amidst its stillness, there’s an air of anticipation, a promise of revival.

"Broomhill Pool was a key recreation facility serving northwest Ipswich (and far beyond) for many years.

“The BLT is delighted to give our backing to its restoration and we know what it means for so many people here.”

Broomhill Lido originally opened in 1938 and shut in 2002.

Shortly after, campaigners came together to form Broomhill Pool Trust, which became a registered charity in 2003.

The restoration is estimated to cost about £10 million. Plans for the project were originally approved in 2019 with an estimated cost of £7.5 million.

Work was due to begin in 2020 but was delayed due to Covid-19.

When it reopens to the public, Broomhill Lido will feature a new gym, aerobics room and cycling studio, created from the old men’s changing rooms.

There will also be new dry-side changing rooms and accessible changing areas.

Both pools will be heated during spring and summer months but could remain cold during the autumn and winter to cater for more serious swimmers.

The pool’s maximum depth will be 15ft to allow for high diving.

Mark Ling, chairman of the Broomhill Pool Trust, said the ‘generous grant’ was a positive message to the pool’s stakeholders and showed continued support from the community.

"First and foremost, the funds can help securing and restoring the pool facility,” Mr Ling said.

“The trust will ensure that the funding is used to directly benefit the local community.

"As a longer-term objective, the trust understands that any works to the diving stage will be in the second phase of the restoration plans.

“The trust is working closely with Fusion Lifestyle on this.”

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