The outdoor swimming pool in the UK set to reopen after 22 years following £10million refurbishment

A DISUSED water attraction in the UK is set to reopen following the announcement of a £10million refurbishment.

When the summer arrives and sunny days return, people up and down the country will be heading to their local lido to cool down.

One place where that hasn’t been possible since 2002 is in Ipswich, where Broomhill open air swimming pool has been closed for 22 years.

However, that’s set to change soon with funding secured for a £10m redevelopment of the pool.

Once reopened it will have its original “characteristic feel” as well as some new facilities for users to make the most of.

The plans include the return of the diving boards and the grandstand next to the pool, while a health and well being centre will also be built.

The pool used to be a favourite among members of the local community, with one even sharing footage of the abandoned pool on YouTube.

shared he shot at the lido, that he recorded on his drone.

He said he had “a lot of memories” from the swimming pool.

Fusion Lifestyle, the charitable sports and leisure management organisation, has secured £6.8m money from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with further support from Ipswich Borough Council.

That means the long-planned restoration of the historic, Grade II listed lido can finally be completed.

Once the open-air pool in the centre of Ipswich has been returned to its former glory it promises to provide swimming, fitness, and community facilities to locals and visitors.

It follows more than 20 years of efforts from campaigners and user groups in support of a refurbishment.

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to support Fusion Lifestyle with their ambitious plans for the restoration and redevelopment of Broomhill Lido.

“Once restored, Broomhill Lido aims to be an inclusive, vibrant hub which gives renewed purpose to a site steeped in history.

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt, said: “This is an exciting project, and I’m pleased to see everyone’s hard work pay off. 

“I believe it is a local treasure which has created a great many memories for the people of Ipswich, and I’m thrilled that we will be able to support this legacy for future generations.”

Work will take place over a two-year period, with a planned opening in early 2026.

The new facility will undergo some modernisation works but will maintain its characteristic feel and will be enhanced with a new gym and studio offering, as well as the reinstatement of the lido and nursery pool.

Mark Rogers, Communities and Partnerships Director, at Fusion-Lifestyle said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver this exciting project and reinstate the Broomhill lido at the heart of the local community.

“It’s been a long-planned project that we’re sure will delight the community.

“We want to take the opportunity to thank The National Heritage Lottery Fund and Ipswich Borough Council for all their support in making this happen.”

Meanwhile, this £75m water attraction is set to open in the UK with a lagoon, skatepark and bar.

And a huge £250m water attraction is also going to open in Manchester.