The restoration of Ipswich’s Broomhill lido has taken a major step forward with the launch of a major public consultation process.
Leisure company Fusion Lifestyle is currently preparing a lottery bid to help fund the work – and has now asked the public to show their support for the restoration.
This will be launched with a stall on the Cornhill on Saturday and will be followed up by more events in the town over the next few weeks.
Broomhill Pool is a Grade II listed 1930s lido that is currently lying unused. Historically, it was a much-loved local attraction, drawing up to 60,000 swimmers each year during its 1970-80s peak, with declining regular numbers prior to closure in 2002
Fusion Lifestyle is looking to return Broomhill Pool to its former glory by reinstating its original use. As well as the historic “Olympic-size” pool, the restored facility will also feature new health and fitness facilities and opportunities for other water based leisure activities, such as canoeing and water polo. This will help to ensure that the site would be well used throughout the year and financially sustainable.
It is proposed that the Broomhill Pool complex will include:
A restored lido, grandstand and sun terraces
A children’s pool
A reinstated clock tower
A warm-weather refreshment kiosk
A health and fitness centre with a state of the art fitness suite, studios and an indoor cycling room
Dedicated changing facilities for the lido
A café with indoor and outdoor seating
An exhibition celebrating the Pool’s heritage
Fusion Lifestyle is currently preparing a bid for Heritage Lottery Fund support, which would make a crucial financial contribution towards the renovation of the Pool’s remaining historic fabric.
As part of this process the council is looking to gain the views of local people and incorporate your ideas into the design process. It wants to hear about suggestions for new and restored facilities and possible additional activities and to capture memories of how people used the Pool before it closed.
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