BBC: Lido revamp plunged into doubt as funding pulled.

July 11, 2025 by broomhillpooltrust

An image of the entrance to the Broomhill Lido. It appears in a debilitated state with large bushes growing at the front of it and the doorway boarded up. — Image caption,Broomhill Lido opened to the public in the 1930s but has been closed since 2002

George King

BBC News, Suffolk

The future of a historical and abandoned outdoor swimming pool has been plunged into doubt after millions of pounds worth of funding was withdrawn.

Broomhill Lido, in Ipswich, was shut down in 2002, having provided families and swimmers with a place to cool off and take a dip since the 1930s.

Since then, attempts have been made to restore the Grade II listed open-air pool to its former glory, but the plans have repeatedly stalled due to funding issues.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which pledged £3.8m to the project in 2018 and a further £3m in 2023, said it had now made the “difficult decision to withdraw” after work had not started.

“Unfortunately, despite this support, work has not yet begun on site,” a spokesperson added.

“We understand this will be disappointing news as we recognise the significance of Broomhill Pool to the local community, both as a cherished historic site and a place filled with fond memories.”

An artist's impression of how Broomhill lido would look like. There is a large pool and white buildings. — Image caption,Plans to rejuvenate the abandoned outdoor swimming pools have been in the pipeline for some time

The National Lottery Heritage Fund had joined forces with Ipswich Borough Council and Fusion Lifestyle to save the lido about eight years ago.

The work was postponed when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but then continued to get delayed, to the point where planning permission had to be granted a second time last year.

Six months later, with the £10m restoration still not underway, the National Lottery Heritage Fund said it wanted to perform financial due diligence on the project.

But, according to Ipswich Borough Council, Fusion Lifestyle “had been unable to provide assurances about their financial position”.

The authority said this raised concerns and brought “into question their ability to deliver the project, which received planning consent last year”.

Broomhill lido pictured in 1969. Blue tiles in the shape of a whale can be seen at the bottom of the pool. There are people sitting around the edge of the pool. — Image caption,Broomhill Swimming Pool opened in 1938 and cost £17,000 to build

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are disappointed, but we remain committed to the restoration of the much treasured Broomhill Lido and pledge to find a way forward.

“We also have a meeting scheduled with the National Lottery Heritage Fund next week to look at how we might be able to progress the project.

“Importantly, the council’s £3.3m financial contribution for the project will remain ringfenced for the restoration in our budget.”

‘Seeking to engage’

Fusion Lifestyle said it was both “surprised and disappointed” by the decision, having “only been made aware in the last 48 hours”.

“We are actively seeking to engage with the National Heritage Lottery Fund to find a solution that ensures local residents can still benefit from this much-anticipated restoration project,” a spokesperson told the BBC.

A head and shoulders image of Mark Ling - he is wearing a navy blazer over a smart shirt. He is looking directly into the camera — Image caption,Mark Ling, chair of the Broomhill Pool Trust, believed the lido still had a future

Mark Ling, chairman of the Broomhill Pool Trust, believed there was still an appetite to turn the fortunes of the swimming pool around.

“It is disappointing, but I think there’s still a will and a commitment to make Broomhill happen and Ipswich Borough Council remains absolutely committed,” he said.

“We can get an art deco Grade II listed lido, one of the finest pools in the country, open here in Ipswich, which will bring great credit to Ipswich.”

Ipswich.co.uk Ipswich’s only independent news website reports:

March 26, 2025 by broomhillpooltrust

Broomhill Lido: Is it going to happen?

NewsLast updated 26 March, 2025

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

26 March, 2025

After two decades of fiercely committed campaigning, hope and excitement, has the restoration of Ipswich’s Broomhill Lido been shelved?

Why it matters: After two decades of campaigning and planning, uncertainty over whether this historic venue’s restoration will go ahead, despite years of dedicated work to secure funding and approvals, is rife.

The big picture: Contrary to growing rumours, Broomhill Lido’s restoration project has not been shelved but remains in limbo awaiting final National Lottery Heritage Fund approval. The NLHF make up £6.8m of the £10.35m required to deliver the project, so the project cannot proceed until they have given it the final green light.

What they’re saying: Mark Ling, a long-time campaigner for the project and chair of the Broomhill Pool Trust, the charitable organisation that has championed it for two decades, is “extremely concerned by the hold-up” and worries about the project’s future if a decision cannot be made swiftly.

Talking of the “last-minute extra scrutiny” of the project by the NLHF, Ling stated: “Whilst we accept that financial due diligence is essential, particularly with projects and public funding on this scale, we find the handling and timing frustrating.

However, he also expressed his frustration: “Both IBC and NLHF were fully aware of Fusion’s (along with many leisure operators) financial predicament post-covid—hence their agreement in December 2023 to cover close to 98% of the £10m+ scheme.

“They deemed at that time that, whilst Fusion Lifestyle’s capital reserves had been hit, they were resilient enough and possessed the expertise to administer the project restoration and to operate the lido.”

“IBC Planning consent had been expected by June 2024 yet ran to December 2024, adding to inflationary pressures and causing a further capital gap that Fusion was always going to struggle with.

“Now, 15 months after agreeing to grant funding – and with both IBC and Fusion having already signed off on the scheme – the NLHF suddenly risks pulling the plug on Broomhill!

“This is a matter of urgency and credibility for Ipswich and the NLHF.”

The other side: A spokesperson from the NLHF said they continue “to stand by partners involved in the project” and stressed that the baton is currently with Fusion Lifestyle: “As we are now into 2025, we have requested updated financial and other information to satisfy ourselves that the project is in a good position to begin. We await that information.”

The entrance to Broomhill LidoOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Behind the scenes: While specific reasons for the NLHF delay haven’t been confirmed, Fusion Lifestyle, the grant applicant, restoration lead, and intended operator of the lido, has faced challenges elsewhere in the country.

Haringey Council terminated its contract with Fusion in 2023 after “a series of long-running issues and closures,” while Southend Council chose not to renew its contract this year following “a series of failures.”

The organisation, a registered charity that manages 39 health and fitness centres, 29 indoor swimming pools and four lidos across the country, has been under scrutiny in several locations, including Lambeth, Tottenham, Croydon, and Bedford.

It is believed this could be a factor in the NLHF’s delayed decision-making.

Despite concerns: The Broomhill Pool Trust continues to back Fusion Lifestyle as the best operator for the job.

How we got here: The restoration effort has been a long journey:

2003: Broomhill Trust begins to work with Ipswich Borough Council
2006: Trust supervises a £67,000 feasibility study central to revival plans
2008: Initial NLHF funding bid rejected but provides valuable lessons
2009: Trust works with the Borough on options appraisal
2010-2011: Borough commits £1m to the project
2011: Fusion Lifestyle enters agreement with Borough, guaranteeing a further £1m
2013: NLHF announces “Heritage Enterprise Fund,” ideal for Broomhill
2015: Fusion submits bid to NLHF and receives £180,000 in development funding
2017: Council approves initial planning application
2018: NLHF approves full £3.4m funding
2019: Total £7m funding guaranteed (IBC £1.5m, NLHF £3.4m, Fusion £2.1m)
2020: Project paused due to pandemic
2023: Project costs revised to £10.35m following inflation and Fusion’s financial position post-covid (£6.8m NLHF, £3.3m IBC and £0.25m from Fusion)
2025: Project awaits final NLHF green light

What’s next: While there had been hopes that work would start in April, the project needs the NLHF to give the final green light before proceeding.

The bottom line: The Broomhill Pool Trust has expressed frustration over the timeline, noting the project would have been delivered in 2020 if not for Covid and planning processes overrunning.

“The Trust and pool supporters call upon all stakeholders to work flat out to find a solution now, before the costs go up again and the scheme is permanently lost,” concludes Ling.

£10,000 grant from NW Ipswich Big Local Trust.

December 22, 2024 by broomhillpooltrust

Broomhill Pool Trust is delighted to have received a £10,000 funding grant from NW Ipswich Big Local Trust.

Julie Marker, Community Officer at the BLT visited the pool earlier this year.

“Stepping into Broomhill Pool, it’s like entering a time capsule. 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.

Mark Ling, Broomhill Pool Trust Chairman added,

“This generous grant from a key community partner is a positive message to the pool’s stakeholders. It demonstrates resolute support from the local community.

“First and foremost, the funds can help securing and restoring the pool facility. 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.

Note: The Trust has already successfully lobbied to secure the pool depth at 15ft so that high diving is very much possible.

Grade II listed Broomhill Pool will continue to be the deepest outdoor public pool in Britain (jointly with Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth).

For more information about NW Ipswich BIg Local Trust, please see https://www.nwipswichblt.co.uk/ & www.facebook.com/nwipswichblt

For more information and updates about the pool, please see www.broomhillpooltrust.org & www.facebook.com/BroomhillPoolTrust

BROOMHILL POOL RESTORATION SECURES IPSWICH BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING CONSENT.

December 16, 2024 by broomhillpooltrust

IPSWICH STAR: Plans to restore 1930s Broomhill Lido in Ipswich approved.

FULL STORY AT: https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/24793310.plans-restore-1930s-broomhill-lido-ipswich-approved/

Plans have been approved to restore Ipswich’s Broomhill Lido and bring the historic pool back to public use.

Leisure and sports management company Fusion Lifestyle has now received approval for the plans it submitted to Ipswich Borough Council in February for the site in Sherrington Road, off Norwich Road.

The planning officer has set some conditions for the development – including for work on protected tree orders, and ensuring that everything is done in accordance with the local planning authority.

Architect’s impression of Broomhill Lido, which should reopen in early 2026.
An architect’s impression of Broomhill Lido, which should reopen in early 2026 (Image: Fusion Lifestyle/KLH Architects)
The plans include the restoration of the entrance kiosk.

There will also be an outdoor café, repurposed from the previous buffet building, with a re-fitted kitchen serving snacks, ice creams, teas and coffees.

The proposal also contains a new health and wellbeing centre, providing a gym, fitness studio, changing rooms and accessible changing spaces rooms, refreshment area with vending machines and first aid space.

The pool will keep its iconic 1930s look. It will be designed in a similar style to the 1930s original building, but will “remain identifiable as a new element”, according to planning documents.

The pool will be repaired, existing changing rooms demolished to make way for the fitness suite building, and the kiosk, below-ground changing areas, grandstand and buffet building will be restored.

The plans do not vary from the planning application that was previously approved in 2019. The project was due to start in 2020, but the Covid pandemic resulted in the shelving of the scheme and planning permission expired as lockdowns meant progress on the revamp project was brought to a halt.

Broomhill Lido was built in the 1930s and opened in April 1938. The building was listed Grade II in 2001, but has remained derelict and in a state of disrepair since closing in 2002.

The pool is expected to open again to swimmers in the summer of 2026, it had previously been announced.

Ipswich Star reports: delays to start works on Broomhill Pool’s restoration

October 31, 2024 by broomhillpooltrust

The Broomhill Pool Trust AGM Chairman’s report (15 Oct) had raised our growing concerns:

“Planning Application was submitted in January. It had been anticipated that the scheme would go to the Borough Planning Committee for June. For a scheme that is fundamentally unchanged from the scheme APPROVED by the same officers and committee in 2019, it has been agonising for supporters to watch July, August, and now September agendas come and go WITHOUT Broomhill Pool’s application submitted for consent. These monthly delays push back vital timings for the reopening, and no doubt add exposure to further inflationary pressures”.

www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/24686993.latest-hold-restoring-ipswichs-broomhill-lido/

THIS WEEKEND! Heritage Open Days – Broomhill Pool, Ipswich.

September 10, 2024 by broomhillpooltrust

Heritage Open Days 2024 – Broomhill Pool, Ipswich.

Saturday 14 September: 10am to 4pm
& Sunday 15 September: 10am to 4pm.

Broomhill Pool will be part of Ipswich’s outstanding HOD offer, with seventeen venues in Suffolk’s County Town open for public viewing.

Come and see plans for the restored Broomhill Pool and meet with Fusion Lifestyle and KLH Architects Ltd’s design and community team .

One of just 17 listed lidos in Britain. This “Art Moderne” pool building is one of the most attractive Lido style open-air pools in Britain and has an unrivalled position on the edge of Broomhill Park in Ipswich.

https://heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/broomhill-pool-ipswich.html?

Suffolk Money Podcast (film): Broomhill Pool Restoration.

September 5, 2024 by broomhillpooltrust

Suffolk Money Podcast (film): Broomhill Pool Restoration.

Anyone who has fond memories of the iconic Broomhill Pool in Ipswich should love this! Closed since 2002 and sadly neglected, the open-air pool is about to get a £10 million makeover, once the final planning hurdles are cleared.

And on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, it’ll be open to the public for Heritage Open Days (10am – 4pm), so that people can take one final look at how it is today, and how it could look by 2026.

In this film on Youtube – link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbYnbVF4gGA – Kevin Burch talks to those who’ve battled to see it re-opened and discuss their hopes for the future.

Recording for Suffolk Money Podcast

August 15, 2024 by broomhillpooltrust

A beautiful couple of hours at Broomhill Pool today, recording for Suffolk Money Podcast (https://suffolkmoney.co.uk/) with (former BBC East Reporter) Kevin Burch, Will Ludkin (Project lead at KLH Architects Ltd, Mark Ling (Trust Chairman) and Mike Read MBE (Trust President).