Ipswich Borough Council 'bitterly disappointed' with Government's levelling-up decision as future of regeneration of Broomhill Lido and new Gainsborough sports centre thrown into doubt

The future of two major sports projects have been thrown into doubt as a Government decision not to invest in a town has been criticised by a council.

Ipswich Borough Council expressed 'bitter disappointment' in the Department of Levelling-Up for not supporting its plans to regenerate the grade-II listed Broomhill Lido in Sherrington Road and the building of new sports centre in Gainsborough.

This would have seen an £18 million injection to help fund its 'Get Ipswich Active' ambitions to encourage residents to get out and about.

It is now possible these projects may not go through, and the authority will continue to monitor the situation.

Councillor David Ellesmere, the leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said Suffolk County Council's Ipswich-based bid was also rejected by the Government.

He noted he was 'bitterly disappointed' at its decision not to approve its plans, which would have seen the town become one of 100 to receive a share of £2.1 billion in funding.

The restoration of the 1930s lido would have seen the widening of the 55 yard pool to 50 metres – which could have been the only one of its kind in Suffolk – plus the addition of a high-diving pool.

Gainsborough's existing sports centre would have been replaced, with improvements including an 8-court sports hall and 8-lane athletics track.

Cllr Ellesmere added: "The bid could have seen Broomhill Lido brought back to life and for the development of a new sports, athletics and gymnastics centre to be enjoyed by many.

"The council and its partners will now need to review the viability of both these projects.

"While we won’t rush into any decisions, there is no disguising that this is a significant setback."