Lido revamp plunged into doubt as funding pulled

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and abandoned outdoor swimming pool has been plunged into doubt after millions of pounds worth of funding was withdrawn.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."

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".

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."

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.

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."

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