Swimmers should be able to dive into Ipswich's Broomhill Lido again in the summer of 2026 - nearly 24 years after it shut its gates for the last time.
The £10m project to restore the 1938-built lido will finally be able to go ahead after a funding deal was reached between Fusion-Lifestyle, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, and Ipswich council.
The site is owned by the borough which owns the site and which contributed £3.3m to the cost of the restoration.
The work will be led by leisure and sports management company Fusion Lifestyle which will operate the lido once the restoration is complete.
The work had been due to start at Easter 2020 - and preliminary tree-cutting had taken place earlier that year.
But the Covid pandemic forced the abandonment of those plans - and Fusion Lifestyle itself was forced to battle for survival through a series of lockdowns.
By the time it was in a position to look at the project two years later, its cost had gone up considerably and the lottery funding that had been in place was no longer enough to pay for the restoration.
Since then there have been nearly two years of talks - and strong local campaigning - which resulted in an agreement between the three parties at the end of last year.
The work is expected to start in the first half of this year and take about two years to complete, allowing it to open for the 2026 summer season.
John Cook, Ipswich council portfolio holder for communities and sport, said: “The Borough is thrilled that Broomhill Lido will be brought back to life.
"Thanks to funding from the council, Fusion Lifestyle, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this historic local landmark will be restored to its former glory.
"Ipswich Borough Council is providing a £3.3 million grant to the partnership, which will see the regeneration of Broomhill Lido, creating an attraction which entices more people to work, live, and visit Ipswich.”
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said: “This is an exciting project, and I’m pleased to see everyone’s hard work pay off.
"I have worked tirelessly in support of the Broomhill Lido; 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.”
Fusion-Lifestyle is the leading operator of heritage leisure buildings. It will also offer a number of year-round full-time roles and casual jobs over the peak season.
The Lido will be brought up to date - but should maintain its characteristic feel and will be enhanced with a new gym and studio as well as the reinstatement of the lido and nursery pool.
Fusion-Lifestyle director Mark Rogers 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”.
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.
"At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we aim to ensure heritage sites like this Grade II listed lido are valued and sustained for all to enjoy now and into the future, and we look forward to seeing visitors and locals enjoy the Lido when it reopens."
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