Lake Grounds Work to start on revamp project
ROAD resurfacing, removing silt from the lake and installing new benches could all be among the new changes being made at Portishead’s Lake Grounds as part of North Somerset’s Great Lakes Scheme.
The £700,000 project involves work to revitalise the coastal lakes at Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare, which has already seen dredging take place in Weston.
Following a consultation at the end of 2020, the proposed changes have been shaped by more than 1,000 responses which will focus on what the people think the priorities for improvements should be. Work was due to start this month and is set to continue until the end of July.
Portishead Town Council has also agreed to take over the lease of the existing children’s play area. Plans are being put forward to create a ‘wheels and skate’ park next to the play area.
The changes include:
» Improving accessibility along The Esplanade by dropping kerbs, repainting parking bays, installing benches and resurfacing the road.
» Planting a community orchard of heritage trees, other trees and new areas of rewilding, improving access and installing new seating, picnic benches and waste bins at the former miniature golf course
» Investigating silt in the lake to better understand the amount present, disposal options and costs associated with removal » Investigating options to improve the existing facilities including cafe, boathouse and public toilets. This would include installing accessible toilets in 2023/24 following a successful North Somerset Council bid for £60,000 funding from the Government’s Changing Places Fund.
Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “Thanks to those who took part in the consultation last year – it helped us find out more about what people thought of the park.
“We’ve allocated funding based on the highest priorities, so we’re making sure the money is invested in ways supported by the community. I look forward to seeing the plans being realised over the coming months to improve this much-loved popular facility.”
The councils say they are working together to deliver a shared vision for Portishead Lake Grounds. This aims to provide a regionally renowned park which is attractive, fun, safe and biodiverse for visitors of all ages to enjoy and of which to be proud.
Paul Gardner, vice-chairman of Portishead Town Council, added: “A huge thank you to all those who contributed to the consultation. We are delighted that visible improvements will soon be completed and are pleased to continue working with North Somerset Council to help deliver the other enhancements that people asked for. We particularly look forward to the Wheels and Skate Park dream of many people being turned into reality.”