Victoria Embankment paddling pool could reopen by Easter 2024

The council has received £200,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Another £50,000 towards an ‘activity plan’ for the site has also been granted by the organisation for use over the next five years.

“Contractors are being appointed and work is expected to start as early as this summer and will hopefully be completed in time for Easter 2024”, a spokesperson at the authority said.

In November, Nottingham City Council said more than £500,000 would be used to bring the paddling pool back to life. A bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund was submitted in December 2022 and has now been fully approved in full.

The council closed the paddling pool in 2021 due to leaks and later said it could not afford to fund the repairs needed. A brand new paddling pool, splash pad and new pumping system is now planned for the site, which has served generations of families since the 1940s.

The council previously said the current paddling pool can no longer be repaired or restored. It comes after a public consultation last summer “confirmed overwhelming support for a replacement paddling pool facility”.

Cllr Kevin Clarke (Ind), who has long called for the paddling pool to be brought back into use, said: “The funding is a good thing because the pool needs to reopen.

“I do believe if there wasn’t such a fuss from people who wanted the pool back, the council would’ve swept it under the carpet. I’m pleased that they’ve seen sense and decided to go ahead with the project. I used to play in there myself as a kid.

“It needs to open sooner rather than later. I would love to think they could have it done by next summer – it’s not unrealistic. If the will is there, they can do it.”

A total of £543,971 has already been allocated for the project, with the majority of the funding from Section 106 money – funding used to mitigate against impacts of new local developments. The rest of the money will come from the Government Levelling Up Parks fund, meaning the council is not using money from its own funds.

Council documents stated: “A bid was submitted to the NLHF to help with the restoration of the paddling pool and has now been successful which means the second phase of works can now be addressed.

“In addition, children’s water play facilities and toilets have been identified as a key priority within the consultation and are identified as a second phase of work. The NLHF bid will be used to deliver the restoration works and it will include a five-year summer activation programme.

“The programme will help support families and help attract a wider audience to the facility.”

Cllr Corall Jenkins, Portfolio Holder for Energy, Environment, Waste Services & Parks, said: “This is great news for local residents who have really missed the paddling pool.

“Although the council is facing difficult financial decisions, we remain committed to creating a greener, healthier, happier Nottingham and wherever possible we will secure external funding like this to achieve that. The paddling pool is a great way for families to get outside and enjoy all that Nottingham offers with good quality open and green space and recreational activities.”

Jeremy Fenn, Interim Head of Investment for National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to continue to support Nottingham City Council in their ambition to reinstate the paddling pool. The National Lottery Heritage Fund is thrilled that many more people will continue to enjoy this important part of Nottingham’s cultural heritage thanks to National Lottery players.”