Historic UK lido to finally reopen after 24 years with revamped swimming pool and outdoor cafe
AN Art Deco lido forced to close more than 20 years ago has finally been given the go-ahead to reopen.
Broomhill Lido in Ipswich shut back in 2002.
The historic lido first opened in 1938, and was one of the first Modernist buildings in the UK.
And the lido has finally had plans approved to reopen the outdoor swimming pool for public use.
Leisure and sports management company Fusion Lifestyle has been given approval for the plans its submitted to the local council back in February.
Despite initially revealing plans back in 2019, delays due to the Covid pandemic have pushed back its renovation.
Along with repairs to the main swimming pool, and outdoor cafe will be built in the former buffet building, and will serve snacks and drinks.
Other more ambitious plans include a new gym and fitness centre, as well we changing rooms.
The original entrance kiosk will also be restored.
The multi-million pound project hopes to be completed in 2026 – 24 years after the lido closed.
Mark Rogers from Fusion Lifestyle said earlier this year that they could start work “fairly quickly” after the planning was given.
He said: “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.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund previously said they were “delighted to support Fusion Lifestyle with their ambitious plans for the restoration and redevelopment of Broomhill Lido”.
They added: “Once restored, Broomhill Lido aims to be an inclusive, vibrant hub which gives renewed purpose to a site steeped in history.”
Broomhill Lido originally cost £17,000 to build, costing around £966,000 in today’s money.
It was one of the UK’s deepest outdoor public pools when it opened, as well as having heated water and a 700-person grandstand.
As many 2,000 people visited a day during its peak in the 1970s and 1980s heatwaves.
And it isn’t the only UK lido hoping to reopen.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
Hilsea Lido, the deepest one in Britain, hopes to reopen after closing back in 2022.
Here’s another lido in one of the UK’s trendiest beach towns, although you can’t swim in it.