Plans for £2m redevelopment of Victoria Park in Portsmouth take step forward

Portsmouth City Council is reaching out to communities to understand what improvements can be made to Victoria Park, in the city centre, after the project was awarded £251,000 in development funding.

This cash will then allow the council to bid for a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of more than £2m next year, so the designs can become a reality.

Councillor Steve Pitt, the council's deputy leader, said: 'Open spaces have been so important this year during the pandemic and we want to build on this whilst protecting Victoria Park and its heritage for many future generations to enjoy.

'Practically, some of the monuments need intervention and the fountain is in disrepair so we'll include these elements in our plan, but we are also really keen to work with the public; the people who are currently using the park or those that aren't because of certain barriers, to know what other improvements we can make.'

As part of the project it is planned the park's historic features will be restored, a new classroom space for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be created and the bird aviary will be upgraded.

And a new Friends of Victoria Park group will be established to champion change and ensure the sustainability of the project.

Community engagement officer at the council, Jackie Collins, added: 'We want the public to shape the project and really work with us to design the new plans so the park can be transformed into something that our local community wants to use and enjoy.

'There will be plenty of scope in the project to get involved in lots of different ways and make a difference.

'We'd love to welcome people from all walks of life into the park more and make sure it provides for the needs of all our community.'

Landscape specialists and architects Arkwood Ltd has been appointed as design team for the project.

Consultation with the public is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

To share your ideas with the project team or sign up as a Friend of Victoria Park email [email protected].

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