The restoration of a beloved Ipswich lido is back on the cards after the local council regained possession of the land and the rights to redevelop it.
Ipswich Borough Council has successfully regained control of Broomhill Lido after previous leaseholders Fusion Lifestyle fell into administration in April of this year.
It has also obtained the rights to use the designs Fusion Lifestyle received planning permission for in 2024 – which are set to expire next December.
The restoration will be subject to the successful application of external funding, with the nearly £7m awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2023 having been withdrawn in 2025.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of 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 Grade II-listed lido first opened in the 1930s before its closure in 2002.
Several attempts have been made to secure its future although have failed to come to fruition after more than two decades.
The council has said the redevelopment will aim to conserve the significant heritage features of the complex while enhancing accessibility and creating a welcoming destination for residents and visitors.
An update on the progress of the council’s vision, subject to funding, is expected to be made in summer 2027.
