Work begins to reshape city paddling pool

Nottingham City Council expects the work to be complete by October

Work is under way to restore the paddling pool at Nottingham's Victoria Embankment.

The popular splashing spot was built in the 1940s but was forced to close in summer 2021 due to leaks and other issues.

Now the pool is due to be repaired and upgraded using government funding.

Nottingham City Council said it expected the work to be completed in October but has not confirmed an official opening date.

Paula Mortimer has fond memories of visiting the site as a child

Funding for the pool was secured through the government's Levelling Up scheme and a successful National Lottery Heritage Fund application.

Residents in the Meadows told the BBC they were excited to see work begin on the much-loved site.

Paula Mortimer, 49, said: "We used to come here all the time as kids. Rebuilding it is a great idea.

"It's important to have something like this in the Meadows because lots of kids hang around the streets these days.

"This will finally give them something to do. It has been a long time coming."

Billy Baxter says the reopened pool will bring more people to the spot

Sukanya Vidyanand, who has a four-year-old son, said: "It could be a space for parents to socialise and meet each other.

"We want to sit by the pool in the summer too."

Billy Baxter, from West Bridgford, said: "It will bring more community to the area.

"Sometimes we can be so glued to our laptops and phones, but this will gravitate more people to go outside and connect with others living in the area."

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