Author: broomhillpooltrust

“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.

“The Broomhill Trust has been tirelessly working to gather the necessary funds to
breathe life back into this cherished landmark. As plans for renovations loom on the
horizon, there’s a collective excitement building up in the air.

“During my recent visit, I was handed a precious souvenir – a copy of the official opening program from 1938. Flipping through its pages, I couldn’t help but be transported back in time. The sepia-toned photographs, capturing the essence of a bygone era, evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

“The Trust’s vision for the renovation is ambitious yet respectful of the pool’s heritage. The plan is to restore it to its former glory while retaining the charming features reminiscent of the 1930s. Picture this – sleek modern amenities seamlessly blending with the timeless elegance of yesteryears.

“As I read through the words of Mayor Underwood, spoken at the pool’s inauguration
decades ago, I couldn’t help but find them just as poignant and relevant today. They
serve as a reminder of the enduring importance of community spaces like Broomhill
Pool.

“With renovations set to commence this year, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The prospect of witnessing this beloved landmark come back to life is enough to stir the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

“As we eagerly await its grand reopening, take a peek at the memories of the past while looking forward to a revitalised future at Broomhill Pool.

(Please take a look at the NW BLT weekly newsletter the ‘Community Buzz’. Share with colleagues and send us information about events, services, activities and groups that benefit residents in North West Ipswich.

Link https://sway.cloud.microsoft/jqyeaY8a0709udXO?ref=email

Delighted to advise that “Mark Ling and TEAM” were presented with the CHARITY HEROS OF THE YEAR and overall “STAR OF SUFFOLK” awards!

Mark Ling, Chairman of The Broomhill Pool Trust said:

“It was inspiring to be in a room full of people, from all backgrounds, who have made a positive difference for Ipswich and Suffolk.

“After 20 years campaigning the real work really starts now, to ensure that the pool fits back into its local environment and is a wonderful asset and source of great pride to Ipswich & Suffolk. We look forward to our continued partnership with the stakeholders (Ipswich Borough Council, Fusion Lifestyle, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund).

“The Trust has a magnificent committee, many who have volunteered their skills, time, and dedication for over 20 years, many other unsung heros who have contributed to the epic campaign. This is a lovely accolade and acknowledgement for the Trust, and the awesome efforts the whole team has put in over these many years.

https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/24202678.winners-stars-suffolk-awards

Thanks to Ipswich StarEast Anglian Daily Times and MSC UK Ltd.

Ipswich Star Reports: Council goes ahead with plans for new Ipswich swimming pool.

“Plans for a new swimming pool and leisure facilities on Portman Road (as a replacement for Crown Pools) have moved ahead with the publication of a new study looking into the project…due to be considered by [Ipswich Borough] executive next week.

BBC Suffolk Reports: Portman Road ‘masterplan’ includes pool and hotel.

“John Cook, portfolio holder for sport and communities at the Labour-run council, acknowledged they were “ambitious” plans, but said funding was already in place for the multi-storey car park.

“The swimming pool is going to be a challenge for us – it will be a big expense.

“We will probably have to work with partners to deliver that but what we want to do is show our vision for the future.”

The council said Portman Road itself could be realigned to allow for any future redevelopment of Ipswich Town’s Cobbold Stand

Mr Cook added it was “hard to give a date” for the whole project to come to fruition, but it would be “three to four years away, but that’s a guess at the moment”.

Links: http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/24178211.council-goes-ahead-plans-new-ipswich-swimming-pool

Links: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx9z7dqlyqyo

Links: Ipswich Borough Executive Papers: https://democracy.ipswich.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=135&MId=3254&Ver=4

Ryan Gray reports: A DISUSED water attraction in the UK is set to reopen following the announcement of a £10million refurbishment.

When the summer arrives and sunny days return, people up and down the country will be heading to their local lido to cool down.

One place where that hasn’t been possible since 2002 is in Ipswich, where Broomhill open air swimming pool has been closed for 22 years.

However, that’s set to change soon with funding secured for a £10m redevelopment of the pool.

Once reopened it will have its original “characteristic feel” as well as some new facilities for users to make the most of.

The plans include the return of the diving boards and the grandstand next to the pool, while a health and well being centre will also be built.

See the full report at:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/25495470/broomhill-lido-refurbishment-reopen-water-attraction-pool-swimming

https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/24119170.plans-submitted-restore-1930s-broomhill-lido-ipswich/

Plans have been submitted to restore Ipswich’s Broomhill Lido weeks after it secured the funding it needed to bring the historic pool back to public use.

Leisure and sports management company Fusion Lifestyle have put in plans to Ipswich Borough Council for the site on Sherrington Road, off Norwich Road.

The plans include the restoration of the entrance kiosk – with ticket office and one half as a heritage exhibition space – to closely replicate the art deco style in which it was first built, including a replica clock tower to match the original.

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.
Also in the planning application is 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.

It will be designed in a similar style to the 1930s original building, but will “remain identifiable as a new element”.
The pool will be repaired, existing changing rooms demolished to make way for the fitness suite building, and the kiosk, below-ground changing areas, groundstand, and buffet building will be restored.

The plans do not vary from the planning application 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 due to the impact of nation lockdowns.
The plans were received on Monday, February 12.
Since then there have been nearly two years of talks and campaigning, which resulted in an agreement at the end of last year.
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.

North West Ipswich BLT SURVEY: LIVE in the NW of Ipswich. Care about NW Ipswich. Your voice counts!

The North West Big Local Trust is asking for your views about this part of Ipswich.
Survey Link: https://www.allcounted.com/s?did=3oa5zfxin5oah&page=7

The BLT Partnership also has around £250,000 of funding available to be spent in this area/for this area. So if you are part of small local groups, or need community funding, its worth exploring further.

Broomhill Pool, Park, and Library are also key assets that serve this part of town. Supplementary funding may be required to fully refurbish and modernise the Pool’s iconic Wicksteed Diving Stage. Local funding like this could make a significant difference. So, please respond and let the BLT know what you want in NW Ipswich.

Survey questions:

• What do you like about NW Ipswich
• What do you dislike about NW Ipswich
• What would you really like to see happen in North West Ipswich?
• How do you currently find out about what is happening in North West Ipswich?
• If £250,000 could be spent in North West Ipswich, what would YOU like to spend it on to benefit the whole community?
• Does a project, group or oganisation in North West Ipswich need support? Let us know below.

https://www.nwipswichblt.co.uk/the-partnership