£10m works to restore Broomhill Lido, in Ipswich, set to start after funding secured

Works to restore a town’s open-air pool to its former glory will go ahead after funding was secured.

Swimmers could dive into Ipswich’s Broomhill Lido by 2026 – more than two decades after the site shut its doors.

Since then, campaigners have been fighting to reopen the grade II listed site.

A funding deal has now been struck between Ipswich Borough Council, the National Lottery Fund and Fusion Fund to renovate the pool.

Works on the £10 million project are due to start later on this year, with a £3.3 million grant provided by the council.

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 Broomhill Lido. I believe it is a local treasure which has created a great many memories for the people of Ipswich.

“I’m thrilled we will be able to support this legacy for future generations.”

The outdoor swimming pool, owned by the council and run by charity Fusion Lifestyle, was built in 1938.

It is one of 17 grade II listed lidos in the country.

Works on the pool were due to start in 2020 but Covid paused the plans, which caused it to need a further £1.8 million investment.

The new facility will undergo some modernisation but will maintain its characteristic feel and will be enhanced with a new gym and studio as well as the reinstatement of lido and nursery pool.

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.”