Modernist lido set to reopen after 24 years following multi-million pound project
PLANS have been revealed for a 1930s lido, set to undergo a £7m refurbishment.
Broomhill outdoor pool in Ipswich will have been closed for 24 years when it finally reopens in 2026, with work on its restoration to begin later this year.
The modernist lido has been described as “one of the most attractive open-air pools in Britain” by Historic Pools, who also loved its “unrivalled position on the edge of Broomhill Park”.
Developers hope to restore the pool’s original “characteristic feel” while also introducing some new features.
The plans for the lido include the return of the grandstand offering seating alongside the pool, while a health and well being centre will also be built.
However, the latest set of images appear to no longer have the pool’s diving boards in situ, which used to be one of the main reasons children loved playing at the lido.
It’s taken a long time for developers to reach this stage, with plenty of efforts to reopen the attraction hitting the buffers.
The Grade II-listed building has been the subject of several attempts at restoration, but funding issues have prevented its renovation until now.
However, this time that goal looks set to finally be realised.
A coalition of Ipswich Borough Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Fusion Lifestyle have been able to put together a new funding package, which was agreed in January.
When the funding package was first announced, Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to support Fusion Lifestyle with their ambitious plans for the restoration and redevelopment of Broomhill Lido.
“Once restored, Broomhill Lido aims to be an inclusive, vibrant hub which gives renewed purpose to a site steeped in history.”
Mark Rogers from Fusion Lifestyle, who will be in charge of building and operating the lido, told the Ipswich Star that once the green light is issued, work can begin in either September or October.
He said: “Once the final planning is granted we hope to get in diggers fairly quickly. People have waited a long time for this.
“We hope to get started in September or October and then there’s a 12-14 month construction period.
“We’re hoping to take on the building in early 2026 and have the pools open that summer.”
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
Earlier this week, final plans were revealed in the form of computer generated images that show what the lido will look like once work has been completed.
Residents reacted positively to the news on social media, with plenty looking forward to having the pool.
One wrote: “Brilliant. Great news that it is finally getting started. Will be a great resource for our town and will see many from the region coming to visit too.”
Another said: “Loved this swimming pool in my youth. When it’s finished I hope todays youth gets as much joy from it.”
A third added: “This will be fabulous.”
Meanwhile, this brand new lido is set to open in a UK park, with a sunbathing zone and splash park.
And these UK holiday parks all have waterparks for children to play in on site.
