Broomhill Lido is a classic piece of 1930s art deco architecture. It was built as an outdoor heated pool in 1938 by the Ipswich Borough Surveyor’s Department.
The site comprises an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a second pool alongside, and designated areas for sunbathing. The original changing cubicles, diving platforms and a 700-seat grandstand survive, despite its closure in 2002.
The pool was listed Grade II in 2001 and is now one of 12 listed lidos in England. Following its closure it was threatened with demolition and the council decided to infill the pool with sand and gravel.
The Broomhill Pool Trust was established to campaign against the maltreatment of the site and has worked hard to promote the reuse of the facilities.
It is hoped to restore and reopen the pool with a heating system run using sustainable energy. Activities could be run all year round ranging from swimming to outdoor theatre.
The Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from parties wishing to work up proposals for the pool as a leisure facility. Interested parties have until noon on 23 October to register their interest.
Expressions of Interest/Further Details/Information Pack:
Simon Unthank, Ipswich Borough Council
t: 01473 432217 e: [email protected]
For further information:
www.savebroomhillpool.org
The Broomhill Pool also appears as an entry on our Buildings at Risk register. If you are a subscribing Friend, click here.
