Broomhill Lido: Is it going to happen?

Why it matters: After two decades of campaigning and planning, uncertainty over whether this historic venue's restoration will go ahead, despite years of dedicated work to secure funding and approvals, is rife.

The big picture: Contrary to growing rumours, Broomhill Lido's restoration project has not been shelved but remains in limbo awaiting final National Lottery Heritage Fund approval. The NLHF make up £6.8m of the £10.35m required to deliver the project, so the project cannot proceed until they have given it the final green light.

What they're saying: Mark Ling, a long-time campaigner for the project and chair of the Broomhill Pool Trust, the charitable organisation that has championed it for two decades, is "extremely concerned by the hold-up" and worries about the project's future if a decision cannot be made swiftly.

Talking of the "last-minute extra scrutiny" of the project by the NLHF, Ling stated: "Whilst we accept that financial due diligence is essential, particularly with projects and public funding on this scale, we find the handling and timing frustrating.

"Both IBC and NLHF were fully aware of Fusion’s (along with many leisure operators) financial predicament post-covid—hence their agreement in December 2023 to cover close to 98% of the £10m+ scheme.

"They deemed at that time that, whilst Fusion Lifestyle’s capital reserves had been hit, they were resilient enough and possessed the expertise to administer the project restoration and to operate the lido."

"IBC Planning consent had been expected by June 2024 yet ran to December 2024, adding to inflationary pressures and causing a further capital gap that Fusion was always going to struggle with.

"Now, 15 months after agreeing to grant funding – and with both IBC and Fusion having already signed off on the scheme – the NLHF suddenly risks pulling the plug on Broomhill!

"This is a matter of urgency and credibility for Ipswich and the NLHF."

The other side: A spokesperson from the NLHF said they continue "to stand by partners involved in the project" and stressed that the baton is currently with Fusion Lifestyle: "As we are now into 2025, we have requested updated financial and other information to satisfy ourselves that the project is in a good position to begin. We await that information."

Behind the scenes: While specific reasons for the NLHF delay haven't been confirmed, Fusion Lifestyle, the grant applicant, restoration lead, and intended operator of the lido, has faced challenges elsewhere in the country.

Haringey Council terminated its contract with Fusion in 2023 after "a series of long-running issues and closures," while Southend Council chose not to renew its contract this year following "a series of failures."

The organisation, a registered charity that manages 39 health and fitness centres, 29 indoor swimming pools and four lidos across the country, has been under scrutiny in several locations, including Lambeth, Tottenham, Croydon, and Bedford.

It is believed this could be a factor in the NLHF's delayed decision-making.

Despite concerns: The Broomhill Pool Trust continues to back Fusion Lifestyle as the best operator for the job.

How we got here: The restoration effort has been a long journey:

• 2003: Broomhill Pool Trust begins to work with Ipswich Borough Council

• 2006: Trust supervises a £67,000 feasibility study central to revival plans

• 2008: Initial NLHF funding bid rejected but provides valuable lessons

• 2009: Trust works with the Borough on options appraisal

• 2010-2011: Borough commits £1m to the project

• 2011: Fusion Lifestyle enters agreement with Borough, guaranteeing a further £1m

• 2013: NLHF announces "Heritage Enterprise Fund," ideal for Broomhill

• 2015: Fusion submits bid to NLHF and receives £180,000 in development funding

• 2017: Council approves initial planning application

• 2018: NLHF approves full £3.4m funding

• 2019: Total £7m funding guaranteed (IBC £1.5m, NLHF £3.4m, Fusion £2.1m)

• 2020: Project paused due to pandemic

• 2023: Project costs revised to £10.35m following inflation and Fusion's financial position post-covid (£6.8m NLHF, £3.3m IBC and £0.25m from Fusion)

• 2025: Project awaits final NLHF green light

What's next: While there had been hopes that work would start in April, the project needs the NLHF to give the final green light before proceeding.

The bottom line: The Broomhill Pool Trust has expressed frustration over the timeline, noting the project would have been delivered in 2020 if not for Covid and planning processes overrunning.

"The Trust and pool supporters call upon all stakeholders to work flat out to find a solution now, before the costs go up again and the scheme is permanently lost," concludes Ling.