Broomhill Pool, Ipswich.
Broomhill Pool, Sherrington Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4HT
Janet Smith wrote, in her definitive book, Liquid Assets,
“Broomhill may lack the national profile accorded to Saltdean, Tinside, or Penzance, but it is arguably their equal in architectural significance”.
Broomhill Open Air Swimming Pool was designed by County-Borough of Ipswich engineer E. McLauchlan. Built at a cost of £17,000, it was opened Saturday 30 April 1938. 55 yards x 20 yards and 8 lanes wide, the competition pool is one of the deepest outdoor public pools in Britain.
The pool volume is 464,000 gallons (2.1 million litres) of water. The pool has the last known Wicksteed (of Kettering) diving stage, incorporating 1,2,3,4 & 5 metre boards. Facilities include a children's pool (12.5 yards x 20 yards); plus grandstand for 700 spectators and changing cubicles for 70 ladies and 108 men. The lido was originally furnished with flood lighting and underwater flood lighting. The water was filtered and heated to 70f/21c (before the boilers were requisitioned for WW2 in 1941).
Funding was secured and £7.25m restoration works due to commence in April 2020, just as covid struck. Inflationary costs have driven the restoration to £10.25m by 2024. However, an enhanced National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £6.8m, plus Ipswich Borough grant of £3.3m, mean that Fusion Lifestyle can now proceed with restoration programme. Works are due to start end 2024 with a possible reopening by early 2026.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Sunday 15 September:
- 10am to 4pm
Location & directions
Broomhill Pool, Sherrington Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4HT
- Directions:
- Come and see plans for the restored Broomhill Pool and meet with Fusion Lifestyle’s design and community team. IMPORTANT NOTES Site has been closed since 2002, and is partially derelict, awaiting restoration. Limited public to access to safer areas of the site only. Facility has uneven surfaces. Limited access for wheel chairs, buggies, etc. Toilet facilities available, and refreshments can be purchased, at neighbouring Broomhill Library. Restoration works may be in progress by September 2024. Should the pool site be inaccessible or unsafe for viewing, the Broomhill Pool Trust and Fusion Lifestyle will provide an exhibition/display of the proposed scheme, at neighbouring Broomhill Library.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
IMPORTANT NOTES Site has been closed since 2002, and is partially derelict, awaiting restoration. Limited public to access to safer areas of the site only. Facility has uneven surfaces. Limited access for wheel chairs, buggies, etc. Toilet facilities available, and refreshments can be purchased, at neighbouring Broomhill Library. Restoration works may be in progress by September 2024. Should the pool site be inaccessible or unsafe for viewing, the Broomhill Pool Trust and Fusion Lifestyle will provide an exhibition/display of the proposed scheme, at neighbouring Broomhill Library.
