From Early July the project’s building contractors, BBS, will be setting up their compound in the park. It’s important for them to have a secure compound while they are carrying out their works to ensure the security of the building site and, most importantly, to protect park users from getting hurt by any of their activities or machinery.

The compound will be in a large footprint around the nursery and toilet block which mirrors the incoming veranda which will itself wrap around the new café and offer the perfect opportunity to sit outside in the park while enjoying an ice cream, a sandwich, or just a nice hot cup of coffee.

Unfortunately this will mean that a large part of the wide footpath which runs between the fountain and the Hillbrow Road entrance will be shut off for public use between the existing playground and the Project Hub. This will be shut off until the building works are complete early summer 2023.

There are some groups and individuals who will have their regular activities impacted, and the project team are particularly aware of the impact this will have on the popular weekly Parkrun and Junior Parkrun events. The team have had regular contact with the run directors to pass on information and try to help minimise any disruption, and it looks hopeful that both Parkruns will be able to agree slightly changed routes.

The laying of a temporary footpath around the boundary of the builder’s compound was considered, but ultimately this wasn’t possible because of the cost attached to it and that it would have needed to be removed in December to allow works to begin on the new playground. There are alternative paved routes in the park to get around the compound, either dropping down the loop past fairground green and the Sensory Garden, or up past the car park and hedged games courts. Of course, if the weather’s fine and you watch your step, you’re more than welcome to walk across the grass too.

Once the compound is in place it will be wrapped with hoarding on which park users will be able to see plans for what is being built by both contractors in Victoria Park, and it is hoped some colourful artwork from local young people. There will also be windows for the public to see through and satisfy their curiosity about how the building work is going.