Project update - late June 2026

Work continues at Victoria Park, with progress being made despite the recent spell of very hot weather. To manage conditions safely, the team have been starting earlier in the day to avoid the hottest periods.

The new accessible play deck has now been installed. This will provide inclusive play opportunities, with wheelchair access from the new path and a variety of ways to reach the deck from the lower play area, including nets, ladders and a climbing ramp, along with sliding poles for returning to ground level.

Good progress is also being made on the new ramp between the mature oak trees on South Road. This is being carefully constructed using a specialist method to protect the tree roots while still allowing air and water to reach them. The result will be a more accessible route with a gentler gradient than before.

Newly planted trees are continuing to be watered regularly to help them establish.

Once construction is complete, the play area will be independently inspected by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to ensure it meets all relevant safety standards before opening. There is currently high demand for inspections, so we are not yet able to confirm exactly when this will take place. Following the inspection, we will complete any final safety works identified.

We look forward to opening the new play area as soon as possible this summer. Work on the new South Road access point will take a little longer to complete, due to the complexity we’ve explained above, but other accessible entrances are available.

Thank you to local residents and businesses for your continued patience and support while this work is completed.