Broomhill Pool Trust. Chairman’s Report 2025.

A review of the Broomhill Pool Trust Timeline (Campaign Timelines and Key Developments) during the last 12-18 months – let alone the previous epic 21 years of effort – demonstrates how agonisingly close the stakeholders and we have been, TWICE, to securing Broomhill Pool’s restoration.

This is not a time for looking backwards, for blame, or to lose sight of the goal. It is to Fusion Lifestyle’s great credit that despite unprecedented conditions (during and post covid) they remained committed to the Broomhill Pool project. Sadly, they have not been able to demonstrate the financial certainty to unlock the £6.8m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.

However, Ipswich Borough Council remain resolute with their commitment. The Trust will be lobbying IBC and NLHF to work directly together: a) to provide the necessary financial platform and b) to deliver a project that they have TWICE backed, and whose merits and benefits remain as strong as ever. If re-elected as Chairman this AGM I commit to doubling down our energy and efforts, to ensure the Trust’s full partnership to back the stakeholders to get this wonderful public asset saved, and for a successful outcome to this epic campaign.

For my chairman’s 2025 Report, I cannot summarise or restate our aims any clearer than the in the statement below (in italic fonts). The Trust sent this to IBC & NHLF on 15 July 2025, immediately after news that NLHF had pulled their £6.8m grant to Fusion.

“Whilst the Trust is deeply concerned by NLHF’s decision to pull their £6.8m grant to Fusion Lifestyle, we are in some ways relieved. As outlined in our letter to stakeholders (7 July 2025) it has become apparent that it was a catch 22, where a scheme with 98% capital funding guaranteed by IBC & NLHF could not proceed unless or until Fusion could provide financial certainty.

It is a serious setback with NLHF withdrawing their grant to Fusion. Yet, if the scheme can quickly be rebooted with IBC making the application, then financial certainty and cash flow is there. The project is ready made with planning permission, design, and approved in principle.

We therefore appeal for IBC & NLHF to act swiftly and seek to re-secure the NLHF’s £6.8m grant directly. We ask you to consider the progress made and what Broomhill Pool’s restoration offers:

• Arguably this is a far stronger financial platform moving forward, and the Trust will be working flat out in support of and partnership with IBC to encourage them to press ahead.

• The scheme has planning approval, and an approved design.

• There is a long-standing project team in place, with many local companies who know the gig, and are keen to progress.

• This is a grade II listed lido, one of the finest in Britain. It is Britain’s deepest outdoor public pool.

•The lido restoration has incredible public support and cross-party political backing.

• IBC have reaffirmed their £3.3m commitment and have given firm reassurances they are committed to getting the Broomhill restoration project done.

• This is a scheme the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been keen to support (TWICE). This is the first major funding into North Ipswich, and one of the largest grants for all Ipswich area. The locality is home to two pockets of deprivation, and this project can transform its fortunes.

The Trust has campaigned tirelessly and positively for 23 years. As community champion we appeal to you both to come together, to finally get the project over the line and save this wonderful asset for future generations”.

Mark Ling, Chair of the Broomhill Pool Trust. October 2025. ML 22.10.2025