The first images of Broomhill Lido’s future have been unveiled ahead of this weekend’s Heritage Open Days, with early artist impressions bringing the bones of the historic pool to life for the first time.
Broomhill Lido in Sherrington Road closed in 2002 after 64 years of use, and after more than a decade in the doldrums, major renovation plans were announced last year.
Now, as the pool will be opening its doors for members of the public to explore alongside 35 other buildings, and those attending will have the chance to see early indicative impressions of what the developers envision for the Grade II-listed site.
A team from Fusion Lifestyle will be exhibiting images and potential proposals at the pool from 10am-4pm both days, with visitors able to share their views for what is one of only 14 Grade II-listed lidos left in England.
Coinciding with the open days, an online survey has been launched which will remain open until October 23, asking for people’s views of the overhaul. So far, early revamp plans reveal a complete restoration of the pool, overhaul of the site’s clock tower, and a permanent exhibition celebrating the pool’s history, and a cafe and fitness suite.
A £180,000 Heritage Lottery Fund development grant has been secured, with a full stage two grant bid of £3.3million set to be made in Spring 2017. Developers are hopeful of a mid-2018 reopening.
But as well as finding out more about the pool’s development, visitors are being encouraged to share their memories of summers at the pool. The pool’s Memory Corner will allow people to bring along their mementos and photographs throughout the weekend, which will then be digitally recorded.
Elsewhere, the open day weekend is set to be the biggest ever in Ipswich with 36 buildings lined up. Among the other highlights will be the soon-to-be-completed St Mary at the Quay and the always-popular Willis Building.
A series of guided walks have been laid on, as well as vintage buses from Ipswich Transport Museum on hand to ferry visitors to and from some of the venues – including Broomhill Pool.
Tony Marsden, vice-chairman of organisers the Ipswich Society, said: “I think the important thing is it promotes the town and it promotes the parts of the town that generally lay dormant in people’s memories.
“One gets used to all the routine things and gets so familiar with the town, it’s only when you get the opportunity to see the town from a different point of view you get to appreciate things you wouldn’t normally do.”
For a full list of open buildings and times visit www.ipswichsociety.org.uk.
To take part in the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BroomhillLido.
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