Designers needed for Victoria Park revamp
‘Exciting’ £2.4m transformation planned
A DESIGN team is being sought to help develop an ‘exciting’ £2.4m redevelopment of a city park.
Victoria Park in Portsmouth is set to undergo a major transformation including the restoration of its original Grade II-listed features and the reinstatement of a large open space in its centre.
The scheme for the 3.5 hectare site has already been awarded £251,000 development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with a further £75,000 supplied by Portsmouth City Council.
Once the designs are completed the council will apply for grants totalling £2.43m.
Councillor Steve Pitt, the city council's cabinet member for culture and regeneration, said: ‘We are now tendering for consultants to deliver the first phase of our exciting plans to revive Victoria Park and restore many of its heritage features.
‘Following initial support from the National Lottery we hope the successful applicants will go on to help us achieve further funding for a full grant worth over £2m.
'Through public consultation we'll be engaging with the local community and interest groups, to help create a design that appeals to a wide range people who use the park.
‘Transforming our largest city centre park into an inclusive space, which also maximises the heritage assets, will provide opportunities for families, students and visitors to enjoy.’
Plans for the park also include new trees, a performance space on the site of a former bandstand and a new hub with education spaces and toilets.
It is thought the project will be completed in 2023.