The £1.7million restoration of Victoria Embankment’s Memorial Gardens is now well underway, returning the park to its former glory.
The refurbishment of the gardens is going ahead thanks to £1.1million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund along with match funding from The Transforming Cities Fund, The War Memorials Trust and Nottingham City Council.
Work will be completed by the end of 2022 and will include:
- Restoring the war Memorial which was unveiled in 1927
- Restoring the Queen Victoria Statue (dating from 1903)
- Restoring the pond and fountains
- Improving paths and access
- Re-planting original flower beds
- Installing new furniture
- Creation of a visitor centre and toilets
- Creation of jobs
- Development of a World War 2 Roll of Honours
- Community engagement activities and events
Cllr Audra Wynter, Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Transprt, said: “Following the successful use of Lottery funding for Highfields Park, I am delighted to see further investment in Nottingham’s open and green spaces. Victoria Embankment Memorial Gardens are of great importance and have been an asset to Nottingham for nearly 100 years. In 2019 we completed the WW1 Memorial and this additional funding will allow future generations to re-discover the site as a place for contemplation, relaxation and recreation within the local community.”
Frances Moreton, Director, War Memorials Trust said: “War memorials are touchstones to our past. Preserving them maintains the link between those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and later generations who benefit from the freedoms for which they fought. War memorials also remind us of the full cost of war so we can hopefully learn the lessons which help us avoid conflict, and further loss, in future. War Memorials Trust is pleased to assist this project to improve the condition of the war memorial. If anyone knows of any other war memorials in need of help, please contact us or, if you believe in the importance of our work, support us as we are a charity so can only give further grants if we raise enough money.”