Pumping station ready to open as wedding venue
HISTORIC BUILDING WILL BE RELAUNCHED ONCE LOCKDOWN ENDS
A LISTED building in Nottinghamshire with a history dating back to 1871 is ready to be relaunched as a wedding venue once the lockdown ends.
The historic Bestwood Pumping Station has been renovated and restored to keep many of its original features intact despite a change of use that has also seen a bar and fine dining restaurant added.
Now known as The Lakeside, restoration works on the former Victorian pumping station off Mansfield Road, near Bestwood, have been completed and the owners are now waiting to open the doors.
The venue - which includes outdoor spaces - is now run by Newera Partnership Limited and bosses are confident its grounds can safely host post-lockdown events that adhere to ongoing Covid-19 measures.
Amy Harrad, director at The Lakeside, said: “We’re so excited to be opening our doors as soon as government restrictions allow, welcoming blushing brides and dashing grooms to come and enjoy the most magical day of their lives in one of the most beautiful venues within Nottinghamshire.
“Whether the upcoming restrictions keep wedding sizes to between 15 and 30 guests, or larger wedding parties and receptions are allowed, we know what it takes to make a truly memorable wedding or civil ceremony and understand that no two big days are the same.”
Situated within gardens spanning 10 acres, the building has been extensively and sensitively renovated and a grand opening is being lined up to celebrate the historic venue’s new lease of life.
Designed by Thomas Hawksley, Lakeside dates back to 1871 and was originally one of just three steampowered pumping stations purposebuilt in Nottingham to supply water during the late Victorian era.
Bestwood contributed to a supply of more than 1.5 million gallons of water per day for Nottingham until 1964. Between 1982 and 2017, the Grade Ii-listed building was home to the Lakeside Tower Restaurant and Spa.
Co-owner Richard Berridge, of Newera Partnership Limited, previously told the Post the pandemic and second lockdown prevented the venue from opening in time for Christmas as originally planned.
He said: “The project has evolved since me and Amy Harrad (also of Newera Partnership Limited) took over the site in November 2019. Back then we wanted it to be a wedding venue but its more of a destination venue for everyone now.
“There’s a lovely path near the lake where we’ve spent around £250,000 to clear the water and make it appear as it once was.
“We want it to be a place for families to come and not necessarily to eat or drink.”
After being closed for a few years, the Lakeside is preparing to reopen its doors, which owners hope will be in March.
The restored building has capacity for weddings, civil partnerships, receptions and lavish parties with up to 150 guests. The gardens are as beautiful as the Grade II listed building, with a showpiece large ornamental lake and fountains in the centre of the grounds.