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Historic Broomhill Lido restoration plans approved after delays

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Plans to restore Ipswich's Grade II listed Broomhill Lido have been approved by the council. The 1930s outdoor swimming pool, which has been derelict since 2002, is set to reopen in summer 2026.

Why it matters: The approval marks a crucial step forward for the restoration of one of Britain's deepest outdoor public pools, which has stood empty for more than two decades.

The big picture: Leisure company Fusion Lifestyle received approval from Ipswich Borough Council for plans submitted in February to transform the Sherrington Road site into a modern health and wellbeing hub while preserving its historic features.

Broomhill Lido
Plans to restore Ipswich's Grade II listed Broomhill Lido have finally been approved by the councilFusion Lifestyle & KLH Architects

Details: The restoration project includes:

  • Repairs to the main pool

  • A new health and wellbeing centre with a gym and fitness studio

  • Accessible changing facilities

  • An outdoor café in the repurposed buffet building

  • Restoration of the grandstand and below-ground changing areas

Between the lines: The plans mirror those previously approved in 2019, but the project was halted when the Covid pandemic struck in 2020. Planning permission had expired during lockdowns.

The entrance to Broomhill Lido
The lido opened in April 1938 and received Grade II listed status in 2001, but the site has remained derelict since closing in 2002Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What's next: The planning officer has set conditions for the development, including requirements for work on protected tree orders and compliance with local planning authority guidelines.

The bottom line: After multiple setbacks, the revival of this historic swimming venue is now back on track, promising to bring a piece of Ipswich's architectural heritage back to life for future generations.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Three more arrests in Billy McNicholl murder investigation

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Attwells Solicitors

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Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team has made three new arrests following the murder of Billy McNicholl, bringing the total number of arrests to five.

Why it matters: The investigation into the death of 63-year-old William "Billy" McNicholl, who was found dead in a Hawthorn Drive property on 1 January, continues as police seek justice for the victim and his friends and family.

A Home Office post-mortem indicated McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

The details: Three people were arrested on Tuesday 1 April – a 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old man – on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

All three have been questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre and subsequently bailed to return to police on 1 July.

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: "A large number of officers have been involved in the investigation and many people, including residents in the Hawthorn Drive area and surrounding streets, have either contacted us or have been spoken to by our officers. However, if anyone has any information that they are yet to share with police, I would ask them to do so, to help us find out what happened to Billy."

He added: "Our enquiry into his death and the work to bring those responsible to justice continues."

The bigger picture: On 22 January, a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed with conditions and is due to return to police on Tuesday, 22 April.

A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been told she will face no further action.

What's next: Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: "Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy's murder."

He added: "If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we'll pass it on for you."

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025.

The bottom line: Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact them quoting reference 37/162/25, either via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal, by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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