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Last chance to dive into history as Broomhill Lido opens for Heritage Open Days

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Ipswich residents will have a final opportunity to explore the iconic Broomhill Lido before its £10.25 million restoration begins during the Heritage Open Days event on 14-15 September 2024.

The big picture: Broomhill Lido, one of only 17 listed lidos in Britain, is set to undergo a major restoration. This Heritage Open Days event offers a unique chance to see the site and learn about its rich history and future plans before restoration begins.

Broomhill Lido
Broomhill LidoOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Why it matters: The lido, closed since 2002, represents a significant piece of Ipswich's architectural and social history. Its restoration will bring a beloved community asset back to life.

Key details:

  • Dates: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 2024

  • Time: 10am to 4pm both days

  • Location: Broomhill Pool, Sherrington Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4HT

  • Cost: Free entry

  • Pre-booking: Not required

What to expect:

  • View plans for the restored Broomhill Pool

  • Meet Fusion Lifestyle's design and community team

  • Learn about the lido's history and architectural significance

  • Potential exhibition at Broomhill Library if the pool site is inaccessible

Historical significance:

  • Opened on 30 April 1938, designed by E. McLauchlan

  • Original cost: £17,000

  • Size: 55 yards x 20 yards, 8 lanes wide

  • One of the deepest outdoor public pools in Britain

  • Features the last known Wicksteed diving stage in the UK

Accessibility:

  • Limited access to safer areas only

  • Uneven surfaces

  • Limited access for wheelchairs and buggies

  • Toilet facilities and refreshments are available at nearby Broomhill Library

Restoration plans:

  • £10.25m project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund (£6.8m) and Ipswich Borough Council (£3.3m)

  • Work due to start at the end of 2024

  • Possible reopening by early 2026

What they're saying: Janet Smith, in her book "Liquid Assets", wrote: "Broomhill may lack the national profile accorded to Saltdean, Tinside, or Penzance, but it is arguably their equal in architectural significance."

The bottom line: This event offers a rare glimpse into a cherished piece of Ipswich's history before its transformation. Don't miss this chance to see the open-air pool in its current state.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
Mentioned in this article:
Broomhill Pool Trust
Ipswich Central

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FareShare expands food redistribution network with new Ipswich site

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

FareShare has officially launched its new site in Ipswich, aiming to provide more surplus food to communities in need across the region.

The big picture: FareShare East Anglia is part of the UK's largest food redistribution charity network. Last year, it distributed 1.6 million meals via over 140 organisations across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Why it matters: The larger facility will allow FareShare to increase its capacity for redistributing food that would otherwise go to waste, supporting local charities and community groups.

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Rev. Lawrence Carey, Steve Dermody, Cllr Lynne Mortimer, Oliver Paul, Debbie Blacker, Les Dobson and Mike Barrett
Kris Gibbon-Walsh, Rev. Lawrence Carey, Steve Dermody, Cllr Lynne Mortimer, Oliver Paul, Debbie Blacker, Les Dobson and Mike BarrettGlen FarthingRed Wren Studios

Key details:

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on 12 September, attended by local supporters and partners.

  • Deputy Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Lynne Mortimer, officially opened the new site.

  • The expansion was made possible with support from funders, including Comic Relief.

What they're saying:

  • Mike Barrett, regional manager, FareShare East Anglia: "Opening a larger site, with greater capacity, is going to make a huge difference and we're enormously grateful to all our partners who have helped bring this project to fruition."

  • Kris Gibbon-Walsh, COO of FareShare: "This new bigger warehouse will allow the teams to work safely, whilst really making a difference to our capacity for redistributing food to organisations across the region and beyond."

  • Reverend Lawrence Carey of Triangle Church Ipswich: "The ability to have a regular delivery of food items from FareShare has helped us to offer support to our community through our Top Up Shops."

What's next: FareShare East Anglia is hosting an Open Day on 31 October for prospective partners, suppliers, and organisations interested in receiving food.

The bottom line: The new site will enable FareShare to expand its operations, providing more support to local communities facing food insecurity while reducing food waste.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

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