TALKS have now started about putting a package together to re-open and develop Broomhill pool, but there was a warning that finance could be a major problem.

Ipswich council and its partner Fusion Lifestyle have opened negotiations with the Heritage Lottery Fund to find the money needed to complete the �5million pool restoration.

The company and the borough have both earmarked �1m each – with the rest of the money coming from other sources, including a lottery bid.

However the HLF has warned that any money it gives could only be used to restore the existing pool, it could not be used to develop any extra facilities.

Fusion Lifestyle wants to develop a fitness centre on the site which could be used 12 months a year in addition to the open-air pool which would only ever open during the summer.

The company and council remain upbeat about the talks.

Tim Mills, Director of Business Development at Fusion, said: “It is a particularly challenging and competitive climate for gaining external funding at the moment, but we are continuing to meet with potential funders and to review our scheme proposals so as to create a sustainable solution for the site.”

Mark Ling, from the Broomhill Trust, said it was always understood that any HLF money could not be used to develop new facilities.

He said: “A new fitness centre would cost �1-�1.5m and there is already the commitment from the borough and Fusion which would cover that. There may need to be some changes to what is planned at Broomhill, but it is encouraging that there is progress being made.”