Broomhill Pool Trust latest news
On 15th December 2021, Ipswich Borough Council’s Executive voted through [in principle] a £1.8m loan. To enable Fusion Lifestyle to kick start the £7.25m restoration works to Broomhill Pool.
As a recap, restoration works were set to commence in March 2020. However, within a month Fusion Lifestyle (Fusion) was forced to mothball all its 130 leisure facilities and pools. And furlough 3000+ staff during Covid Lockdowns. It hit their operations for six and curtailed their income for 18 months.
Committed
Fusion is still committed for their £2.1m stake. With Ipswich Borough Council contributing £1.5m. And National Lottery Heritage Fund £3.4m. However, due to the financial impact of lockdowns. Fusion now needs to borrow £1.8m towards their capital stake.
The Trust believes that involving a third-party financial lender will not only complicate proceedings. But adds another legal claim and conditions over Broomhill Pool. If Ipswich Borough Council is in a position to directly lend Fusion the money. Then it makes great sense to do so. It reduces the overall risk of default to taxpayers. Avoids a further claim over the property. And retains greater IBC control over the asset and the investment.
Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich taxpayers will certainly not want to lose out on £3.4m of lottery money. National Lottery Heritage Fund coming into the town. This is hard won and a substantial investment in Ipswich. The first ever major NLHF lottery funding for Northwest Ipswich (Central Suffolk & North Ipswich constituency).
Likewise, if the scheme fails. It will inevitably lead to ever greater expense for Ipswich Borough Council taxpayers. Broomhill Pool is a grade II listed site, situated in established parkland. The site cannot easily be developed. Or adapted, for any financial gain.
Fusion is the largest operator of public lidos in Britain. A not-for-profit Trust with a substantial portfolio. Operating many assets for and on behalf of many local authorities. Fusion has secured considerable lottery funding success. They have unrivalled expertise in project planning restorations for grade II listed lidos and indoor pools. A proven ability and solid track record operating them.
Save Ipswich’s Grade II listed pool
With this essential financial lifeline, Fusion will be able to proceed with less risk. And in a more affordable and achievable way.
Broomhill Pool is recognized as one of Britain’s finest lidos. The Broomhill Pool Trust has campaigned positively. And tirelessly throughout because, fully restored. Broomhill Pool will be a supreme asset. And a source of great enjoyment. And pride for our town.
Our campaign to save Ipswich’s Grade II listed pool is in now in its twentieth year. Yet in 2021, our website still received over 45,000 views (from approx. 4500 visits)!
We thank you for your patience, continued interest and support. Please continue to follow updates at Ipswich Flyer. To see more photos and info on Broomhill Pool please visit our website. www.broomhillpooltrust.org.