The Broomhill Pool Trust and Ipswich Borough Council today announced the signing of a Grant Agreement covering funding and conditions for the Feasibility Study into Broomhill Pool’s future.

Ipswich Borough Council are providing a grant to cover most of the cost (up to £58,450), allowing the Trust to conduct a feasibility study - and development of a business plan - to demonstrate the financial basis of Broomhill Pool as an ongoing facility. Subject to the success of the feasibility study, the Trust aims to secure a further £1,000,000 pledge by Ipswich Borough Council towards the full costs of redeveloping and operating Broomhill Pool.

“This is a significant milestone” announced Mike Cook, Chairman of Broomhill Pool Trust. “The Trust has appointed Tony Dodds, a local project management consultant, to lead the Trust’s Project Management Group; to monitor the progress of the study which will include:-
An updated structural survey of the pool and a review of potential improvements.
A complete financial appraisal to regenerate and restore the pool.
A business plan of what income streams could sympathetically be added to the pool facility.
Consultation with the general public concerning the pool use and a hands-on exhibition of preliminary propos als.
Finding potential professional management companies who would operate the pool on behalf of the Trust in the long term.
Identification of funding sources.
“We have a clear plan of action and an excellent professional team to carry out the feasibility study. This will be led by WPP Architects and includes MLM Engineers; Johns Slater & Haward, Services Engineers; Castons, Quantity Surveyors and PKF, Business Management Consultants, with other supporting specialists. The study is to be completed over the next 9 months. Much will depend on the structural state of the Pool since the last MLM Engineers surve y was in 1998. We remain cautiously optimistic that the pool will be deemed salvageable, and that we will achieve our objective to preserve this wonderful pool for the enjoyment and health of future generations. We are very grateful to Ipswich Borough Council for their tremendous commitment; and to the Architectural Heritage Fund for their grant of £3000 towards the cost of the Feasibility Study"

December 7th.2005

ABOUT BROOMHILL SWIMMING POOL

Broomhill Open Air Swimming Pool was built at a cost of £17,000 and opened in April 1938. Over 50 metres long and 8 lanes wide, the pool was 4.5 metres deep at the deep end, accommodated 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 metre diving boards, a grandstand for 700 spectators, underwater flood lighting and changing facilities for 70 ladies and 108 men. The water was heated and filtrated and the 3 hour filtration rate for 2,500,000 litres of water was one of the fastest in the country. Broomhill has been central to summer for many generations. It has a special appeal for children who are able to spend all day in the fresh air in attractive surroundings, in a safe, healthy environment. The Pool building is one of the most attractive Lido style open-air pools in Britain and has an unrivalled position on the edge of Broomhill Park. Broomhill Pool is the only Olympic length open-air pool in S uffolk, Essex & Norfolk. In addition to its appeal to recreational swimmers, many local groups have used Broomhill Pool for a wide range of water sports including Life Saving Training, Canoeing and even Dinghy Sailing. At 4.5 metres deep the pool offers Sub-Aqua divers the only "deep water pit" in the Suffolk. We must ensure that this wonderful pool is saved from demolition, and preserved for future generations

ABOUT BROOMHILL POOL TRUST

The Broomhill Pool Trust is a registered charity (1102659). The Trust activities are to lobby, explore and cooperate with Ipswich Borough Council and all interested parties to preserve Broomhill Pool for future generations. Ipswich Borough Council are providing a grant to cover most of the cost, allowing the Trust to conduct a feasibility study - and development of a business plan - to demonstrate the financial basis of Broomhill Pool as an ongoing facility. Subject to the success of the feasibility study, we aim to secure a further £1,000,000 pledge by Ipswich Borough Council towards the full costs of redeveloping and operating Broomhill Pool.