Ipswich Borough Council is pleased to announce that work to progress the redevelopment of the historic Broomhill Lido can now begin, marking an important milestone in bringing one of the town's most cherished heritage assets back into use.
The Council has successfully secured possession of the site from the administrators of Fusion Lifestyle and obtained the rights to use the designs developed for the previous redevelopment project. The resolution of these matters removes the key barriers that have prevented progress and enables the Council to move forward with the next phase of work.
Broomhill Lido is a rare surviving example of an early twentieth-century open-air swimming pool and is a significant historic leisure asset. Opened in the 1930s, the Grade II-listed facility served generations of residents before closing in 2002. Despite strong community support and several attempts to secure its future, the site has remained vacant for more than two decades.
While the journey to bring Broomhill Lido back into use has been a long one, each milestone reached has strengthened the foundation for its future restoration. The Council has remained steadfast in its commitment to this much-loved landmark, recognising both its unique heritage value and its special place in the hearts of residents.
With the necessary agreements now in place, the project can move into its next phase. This will include appointing specialist consultants, reviewing and enhancing the existing designs, securing external funding, progressing the necessary permissions and preparing for the procurement of construction works. These important steps will help ensure that the redevelopment is carefully planned, financially sustainable and capable of delivering a lasting legacy for Ipswich and future generations; the first steps are already underway, with a project manager appointed to lead the redevelopment programme, and discussions with potential external funding partners.
As funding previously secured for the project was awarded to Fusion Lifestyle and has since lapsed, new applications for external funding will be required. Subject to securing that funding, the Council expects to provide a further update on progress in summer 2027.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader, Ipswich Borough Council, said:
"Broomhill Lido is one of Ipswich's most treasured heritage assets and holds a special place in the hearts of many local people. We are pleased to have reached this important milestone, which allows us to begin the work needed to move the redevelopment forward.
"There is still a significant amount of work ahead, and we want to be open that restoring a site of this scale and historic importance will take time. However, our commitment to bringing Broomhill Lido back into sustainable public use remains unchanged, and we look forward to working with partners, funders and the community as the project develops."
The redevelopment aims to rescue the Grade II-listed Lido from further deterioration while preserving its distinctive historic character. Plans will focus on conserving significant heritage features, enhancing accessibility, improving sustainability and creating a welcoming destination for residents and visitors of all ages.
The project will also seek to strengthen community engagement through interpretation, activities and partnerships that celebrate the Lido's rich social history and contribution to Ipswich's identity. By retaining and repairing historic structures wherever possible, the redevelopment will reduce waste, whilst seeking opportunities to explore energy-efficient services, sustainable drainage, biodiversity improvements and sensitive landscaping that complements the site's heritage significance.