Grand unveiling of People’s Park
Hundreds of visitors eager to see the new look
Victoria Park were not disappointed as the Mayor of Tower Hamlets
officially opened the park after a multi million pound facelift on
May 5.
The ambitious £12m regeneration scheme saw the
park in Bow restored to its former glory ahead of the London 2012
Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dubbed the People’s Park, the extensive
regeneration was funded by Tower Hamlets Council, with additional
support of £4.85million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and
the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) under the Parks for People programme.
This included the restoration of the Burdett-Coutts fountain, the
building of a new community facility and café in the east of the
park, the recreation of the Chinese pagoda in the West Lake and
major improvements to the play areas.
The improvement plans for the 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.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said: “It gives me great
pleasure to be here and to officially re-open Victoria Park. I
remember visiting the park during my childhood and hope the younger
generations will benefit from it now.
I am proud of the investment which has been made as it really is
the jewel in the crown for the borough.”
Wesley Kerr, Chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund London
Committee, said on behalf of HLF and BIG said: "We celebrate the
fact that the complex building project to restore historic
features, modernise facilities and regenerate Victoria Park is
nearing completion as we embark on an historic summer for
London.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and The Big Lottery Fund (BIG)
are pleased to be investing £4.85million into what may be the
world’s oldest purpose designed public park, created through
popular demand in Queen Victoria’s reign, and now recreated 170
years later as her great-great granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II
celebrates her Diamond Jubilee.
For HLF and BIG this is one of eight major park regenerations
across London due to complete this year, the biggest investment
since Victorian times. We will monitor the scheme through this
Olympic summer and beyond, and help Tower Hamlets sustain and
enhance Victoria Park with good green space maintenance and high
horticultural standards. Now it’s over to the people to love and
cherish the original People’s Park, to give the new planting time
to flourish, to enjoy the beauty of the old trees, to volunteer
with the Friends and to enjoy this serene space – one of the most
important parks in the country."
Visitors to the launch were treated to a day of entertainment
with highlights including a treasure hunt, live music, Punch and
Judy and magic show.
Lucy Clark a regular park user said: “Victoria Park is an
amazing resource and all the improvements are fantastic.”
Twin sons Jake and Theo, aged eight were keen to try out the new
wheelpark in the park. Theo said: The park is brilliant and I have
had a really good day so far.”
The park will play a crucial role in the Games later this year
as it is one of the Live Sites along with Hyde Park and Trafalgar
Square where people can watch the Games on huge outdoor
screens.
BT London Live is an exciting series of events
celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. From the
27th July to 12th August BT London Live
Victoria Park will show the best of the Olympic Games on two big
screens, the largest of which is 60m², plus, there will be a more
intimate sports viewing experience in an al-fresco Sports Café.
Even if you were lucky enough to get Games
tickets, BT London Live Victoria Park aims to get you closer to the
action. Featuring all the excitement of the 2012 Olympic Games it’s
not just about watching sport, you can also get involved, and try
your hand at a number of Olympic and Paralympic sports. If that’s
not your style, you can relax in a family festival atmosphere and
enjoy top flight entertainment for free including live music,
street theatre and kids’ zone.
For more details visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/parks
May, 8, 2012