The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £180,000 of funding towards a project to redevelop a derelict outdoor pool in Suffolk.

The Grade II listed Art-Deco Broomhill Pool lido in Ipswich is to be restored into a new commercial leisure destination.

HLF agreed to provide the figure with a view to grant £3.3m at a later stage.

The lido was built in 1938 and attracted 50-60,000 swimmers at its peak.

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Plans drawn up by charity Fusion Lifestyle will see the complete restoration of the outdoor swimming pool, reinstatement of the site's art deco clock tower and the incorporation of a new permanent exhibition to showcase the significance of the site.

Other proposals include a new build extension to provide health and wellbeing facilities, along with a cafe.

The funds from the HLF are in addition to £1m committed by Fusion Lifestyle and a further £1m committed by the council.

Peter Kay, Chief Executive of Fusion Lifestyle, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have confirmed the backing of the HLF, as this has always been key element of our proposals for the lido."

(LM/CD)