After two decades of campaigning, the restoration of Ipswich’s Broomhill Lido faces uncertainty despite years of work and secured funding, awaiting final National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) approval. The NLHF’s £6.8m forms a major part of the £10.35m needed.

Mark Ling, Broomhill Pool Trust chair, is “extremely concerned by the hold-up,” fearing the project’s future without swift action. He mentioned the “last-minute extra scrutiny” by the NLHF, stating, “Whilst we accept that financial due diligence is essential… we find the handling and timing frustrating.”

Ling added, “Both IBC and NLHF were fully aware of Fusion’s… financial predicament postcovid—hence their agreement in December 2023 to cover close to 98% of the £10m+ scheme.” He noted, “They deemed at that time that… 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.” Ling concluded, “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.”

An NLHF spokesperson said they “continue to stand by partners involved” and stated the focus is now on 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.”

Fusion Lifestyle, the restoration lead and intended operator, has faced issues elsewhere, including contract terminations in Haringey and Southend due to “a series of long-running issues and closures” and “a series of failures.” This is believed to contribute to the NLHF’s delay.

Despite concerns, the Broomhill Pool Trust supports Fusion. The restoration journey began in 2003. Key milestones include feasibility studies (2006), initial NLHF rejection (2008), council commitment (£1m in 2010-2011), Fusion’s involvement (2011), NLHF “Heritage Enterprise Fund” announcement (2013), Fusion’s successful development funding bid (2015), planning approval (2017), full NLHF funding approval (£3.4m in 2018), total £7m funding secured (2019), pandemic pause (2020), revised project costs (£10.35m in 2023), and the current wait for final NLHF approval (2025).

Work hoped to start in April but awaits the NLHF. The Trust is frustrated, noting the project could have been completed in 2020 without Covid and planning delays. Ling urges all stakeholders to “work flat out to find a solution now, before the costs go up again and the scheme is permanently lost.”