Pipers Vale and Broom Hill were built to replace the West End Baths (closed 1936), a more rustic pool that was a concern locally due to its potential to pollute the adjacent River Orwell.
Although there are comments elsewhere that Broom Hill was built to capitalize on the success of Pipers Vale, a report in Baths and Bath Engineering from January 1936, announced the proposal for both pool at the same time.
The pool was quite a trot from the nearest road and provision for 100 bicycles was provide.
Part of the surrounds included a shingle ‘beach’ but much of this found its way into the pool so the proposed inclusion of shingle at Broom Hill was scrapped.
The pool was heated but, alongside Broom Hill, the boilers were removed during WWII.
Pipers Vale faced south and had fabulous views over the River Orwell. This proximity sealed its fate in 1979 when a new bridge was proposed, and the pool was demolished to allow for the roadworks.
| Name | Pipers Vale Off Gainsborough Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0ET, England |
| Built / opened | 12th June 1937 |
| Cost | £8,000 |
| Dimensions | 150′ x 37′ |
| Capacity | 210,000 gallons |
| Water type | |
| Depth(s) | 2′ 6″ to 9′ |
| Diving | 1m springboard, 1m, 2m, and 3m fixed diving boards on a steel-framed stage. |
| Changing facilities | 94 cubicles (47 mens, 47, ladies), 450 clothes baskets. A mangle for wringing out costumes. |
| Second pool | Paddling pool 50′ x 35′ |
| Spectator seating | 60′ of concrete nbathing terraces |
| Designer | Edward McLauchlan, County Engineer |
| Date closed | 1979 |
| Status | Demolished to facilitite new roads |
| On site now | Woodlands |
| Last updated | 5th July 2025 |
Baths and Bath Engineering, January 1936
Ipswich
The borough council proposes to provide bathing pools at Broom Hill and Pipers Vale at a total estimated council at cost of £22,300.
