Statement: Re-filling of Boating Lake begins as part of restoration

Cllr Graham Plant, chairman of the economic development committee and deputy council leader, said: "The re-filling of the Boating Lake, which started this week, is a significant milestone in the overall restoration and I am sure that residents and visitors alike are watching the water level rising with keen interest and excitement. With a total capacity of about 4,300 cubic metres, the Boating Lake is expected to be full enough to re-open by the summer holidays, with the fresh water being fed up directly from the water table via a dedicated bore hole.

"The Boating Lake has been closed to the public for safety reasons since 2014, when the concrete basin was drained and cleaned so the condition could be fully assessed to determine repairs required and support funding bids. We have come a long way since that point, securing the £1.7m National Lottery grant to support the council's restoration of the Boating Lake and Waterways sites.

"The Boating Lake basin, surrounding gardens and Island Cafe are now restored - the transformation has been amazing - and we look forward to officially opening the Boating Lake in the coming weeks and welcoming people back onto the site to enjoy themselves in the cafe and venture out onto the water in rowing boats and pedaloes.

"The Waterways site was successfully re-opened at Easter, following completion of the major engineering and landscaping works, and volunteers will continue to restore the park over the coming years. We would like to thank the public for their ongoing patience during the ongoing restoration of this heritage gem."