Will Broom Hill Pool ever re-open?

Broomhill Pool is one of 20 listed lidos in the U.K. but the only one not saved, restored, or operational. Will it be a civic and social centrepiece, or forgotten?

There are interested operators. The scheme is planning approved. The precedent is there for NLHF to approve a direct bid from Ipswich Borough Council.

We are now at a critical juncture with Ipswich Borough Council (which may cease to exist in 2027 due to local government reform).

The National Lottery Heritage Fund withdrew its £6.8m funding commitment (to lease holder and applicant, Fusion Lifestyle) on 11 July, 2025.

Over a year has passed, yet Ipswich Borough Council has still not secured the return of Broomhill Pool’s lease.

Critically, the lease had not been resecured by the time Fusion Lifestyle entered administration (01 April 2026).

IBC has not progressed the existing scheme – or sought new options or operators for the pool – not until the lease and IP (the various studies commissioned by Fusion Lifestyle using NLHF stage 1 pass) is in its possession.

In recent months, The Broomhill Pool Trust, Ipswich and Historic England are supporting IBC with possible Development Funding Grants towards a fresh NLHF bid.

We are working closely in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, and we welcome all exploration and suggestions for other funding streams to kick-start and deliver the project.

The Trust has been active behind the scenes throughout. As members of Historic Pools of Britain, and Future Lidos, we have a solid network and understanding of potential replacement operators for Broomhill Pool.

We are aware of a number of top operator(s) candidates that are both qualified and interested in restoring and operating Broomhill Pool, PLUS can potentially carry forward the existing [planning approved] scheme.

We have asked them to contact IBC directly to formally enquire and express their interest.

What you can do to support the Pool Trust

Please continue to support The Broomhill Pool Trust, Ipswich and follow our Facebook page and website. Please lobby your MPs, Councillors, or Borough contacts at every opportunity to keep positive pressure and focus.

Who wrote this about Ipswich?

Mark Ling

Mark joined the Broomhill Pool Trust in 2005 and ascended to the role of Chairman in 2011. He has also been an active advocate, campaigning for better representation for Ipswich in local government and regional economic development.