Eight Chinese dragons provide the finishing touches to Victoria
Park’s pagoda
As the Chinese community celebrates the year of
the dragon, Tower Hamlets Council installs eight gold painted
dragons on its newly constructed Chinese pagoda in Victoria
Park.
Part of the £12 million improvement programme to restore the
park to its former glory ahead of London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games, the pagoda is a reconstruction of the original
building that stood in the park from its opening in 1847.
The pagoda was sold to the park for £110 following its starring
role in the Chinese Exhibition in Hyde Park between 1841-43 where
it acted as the entrance to the exhibition. Unfortunately the
pagoda had to be pulled down in the 1950s following war damage.
Councillor Rania Khan, Lead Member for Culture, Tower Hamlets
Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the plans for Victoria Park
take shape and near completion. The Chinese pagoda will once again
provide an iconic landmark for the park.
“In addition it will be complemented by a Chinese bridge that is
being created from drawings made by the park’s original architect
Pennethorne in the1840s.”
Predominantly funded by the council, with additional funding
from the Big Lottery Funding and Heritage Lottery Fund.
The improvement plans for Victoria Park were drawn up in
consultation with residents and park users, and include a host of
improvements ranging from a new skate park, improved model boating
lake, better sports facilities, and much more.
The majority of the funding comes from the council, with £4.5
million awarded through the Parks for People programme – a £90
million joint project between the Big Lottery Fund and the Heritage
Lottery Fund. This funding represents the biggest investment in
Victoria Park since its creation in the 1840s.
To view the Victoria Park plans visitwww.towerhamlets.gov.uk/victoriapark
January 27, 2012