City paddling pool to reopen in 'late spring'

Nottingham City Council said poor weather delayed work to bring the paddling pool back into use

A paddling pool in Nottingham that has been closed for almost four years should be back open by late spring, according to the city council.

The Victoria Embankment Paddling Pool was was forced to close in summer 2021 due to leaks and other issues.

Work to repair and upgrade the splash pool, built in 1928, has been taking place using government and lottery funding.

An initial reopening date of October last year was delayed by bad weather conditions, but the "end of the work was now well in sight", Nottingham City Council said.

A target of the early May bank holiday has been set by the city council for the reopening.

A splash of colour has been added to benches and a mural has been painted on a shipping container

A new raised level to the splash pad, a drainage system, and an underground storage tank to allow the water in the splash pad to be treated have already been installed.

The area around the paddling pool has also had a new hedge, apple trees and bulbs planted, a new mural and painted benches, and grass levelling and seeding.

Workers were due back on site from Monday to carry out final tasks, including finishing waterproofing and applying non-slip coatings to the surface.

Councillor Sam Lux, the council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "We are incredibly excited about the transformation of this space and the new amenities it brings to our community.

"This initiative is a testament to our dedication to providing high-quality, inclusive, and engaging public spaces for everyone."