An ugly eyesore in Victoria Park has been transformed as part of an ongoing community project which is turning the green space into a popular place for families, dog walkers and exercising.
The neglected old football changing rooms were a real blot on the landscape – but they have been given a vibrant facelift by artist Nina Raines who was inspired by old photographs which highlighted the park’s wealth of forgotten history.
The transformation is the latest in a programme of activity and regeneration as part of the Victoria Park Community Project which has involved more than three years of fundraising and improvements to the much-loved city oasis.
Michelle Quintrell, chair of the Victoria Park Community Project, said:
“Along with tremendous support from Plymouth City Council, our volunteers have taken a very tired greenspace with a drug problem and turned it into a ‘go to’ place for families, dog walkers and exercising. The changing room’s looks let all this down ”
The colourful facelift was made possible by Stronger North Stonehouse and CLIIK, which is dedicated to regeneration in the area. They provided the paint for Nina, as well as the photographs to help inspire her work.
Despite huge setbacks to its change of use as a Steiner School by Snapdragon, the old bowling green’s future is slowly emerging as the relentless drive continues to overcome the removal of hazardous materials from below ground.
Once this is completed it will join the popular Park Pavilion Café in increasing park footfall.
In tandem with Victoria Park Community Project’s funding of new park equipment and the clearing of years of shrub overgrowth, a massive bulb planting was organised by Inner City Seeds and a daffodil trail is now underway.
Six large pallet planters donated by Travis Perkins are also being prepared and will sit at the entrances to greet visitors. A wildlife, wildflower and bug garden is already attracting local species. Newly installed CCTV combined with a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme, will deter the undesirable, while enhancing the already transformed sense of safety.
The next step is to fundraise £10,000 for disabled play equipment, including a wheelchair swing. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Michelle on 07522565022 or email vpcp@btinternet.com. For more information visit the Victoria Park Community Project on Facebook.
