In a significant move towards improving the city’s recreational facilities, Nottingham City Council has approved a lottery grant of £250,000 towards the restoration of the Victoria Embankment Paddling Pool.
An amount of £543,971 has already been allocated for the paddling pool and an additional £250,000 earmarked for the second phase of the toilets, changing rooms and refreshment unit.
The project, which has been identified as a strategic green space ward-based priority, has been granted a total of £250,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
The funding includes £200,000 for capital improvements to the paddling pool and an additional £50,000 for revenue funds towards the delivery of an activity plan for the site post completion of the capital works.
The decision to accept the NLHF funding was taken to provide the best possible water play experience to replace the currently closed paddling pool.
The paddling pool has been in need of investment for many years, with recent closures due to failures in the pumping system and pool infrastructure.
Hundreds of residents commented since the closure on the need to keep the pool open, public response has shown a clear demand for its improvement and reopening, particularly during the summer months, adds the council.
The facility is expected to draw visitors not just from the Meadows, but from across Nottingham, as there are no other similar facilities in the city.
Local consultation carried out during the summer of 2022 confirmed overwhelming support for a replacement paddling pool facility.
The project will not only improve the visual appearance of the park but also offer positive activities for local communities, thus helping to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
The restoration of the paddling pool is part of the city’s new 25-year Green Space Strategy – Greener, Healthier, Happier. The strategy aims to guide the improvement of environmental practices, contribute to mitigating climate change, increase biodiversity, create nature-rich active travel corridors, and improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
The project is expected to move forward with greater resource and confidence, delivering the objectives of the emerging Greener, Healthier, Happier Strategy and further regenerating and improving the facilities located at Victoria Embankment.
The next stage is to appoint design contractors.
Speaking in December 2022, Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We were really sorry we had to close the Victoria Embankment paddling pool last year when sadly it had reached the end of its natural life.
“The original pool dates back more than 70 years to the 1940s, while the current plant equipment is from the 1980s. This has made maintaining the facility extremely challenging, both in a practical and financial sense. Parts were increasingly difficult to source and often very expensive.
“However, during the summer months this year the value of an outdoor water-based park has been clearly demonstrated, particularly during the long periods of dry and extreme hot weather.
“This has also been further underlined by the cost-of-living crisis as families have stayed at home during the summer holidays – many would have visited the paddling pool if it was not closed.
“A modern facility is likely to draw people from a wider area than just the Meadows, given that there are no other similar facilities in the city. We know how important this is to the people of Nottingham and we look forward to sharing more detailed plans in the coming months.”
