Special debate on the future of Broomhill Lido
On Monday I held a special debate in the House of Commons Chamber on the future of Broomhill Lido. So far, approximately £7 million has been secured to reopen the facility. However, there is a shortfall of approx £2.5 million. I do believe there is a pathway to us securing this money, but it does require a few different things to fall into place, and clearly Government support both financially and symbolically is important. Hence, the reason for my debate.
A key point here is that if nothing is done and the pool isn’t brought back into use, there is a cost associated with this for the local council. It’s one of only 17 listed lidos in the country and any further deterioration of the pool will place a financial liability on the council to rectify the situation. Therefore, there is a significant cost associated with doing nothing. And that cost would likely be in the millions.
When we’ve already come so far in terms of raising the funds and attracted so much outside investment in the facility, it would seem a big mistake in my view to give up.
I was reassured by the comments made by the Minister and her promise to visit Broomhill Lido soon. Meetings continue to go on locally about raising the necessary funds.
Please watch my full speech from yesterday below. Dr Dan Poulter for the neighbouring Central Suffolk and North Ipswich also gave a speech and then the Minister responded to both myself and Dan. Interestingly the entrance to the Lido is in the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency but the bulk of the actual pool is in the Ipswich constituency.
Delivering this project would bring significant physical health benefits, mental health benefits, economic benefits, and cultural/heritage benefits.
I’m cautiously optimistic!
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