The western side of the Highfields Park boating lake will be temporarily closed from Monday 31 July, as work gets underway on the Highfields Park restoration project.

During the restoration work, the footpath on the west side of the boating lake (leading from the park entrance adjacent to the University Boulevard tram stop, towards Jubilee Avenue) will be inaccessible. However, alternative access between these points will be available via the west entrance / Woodside Road.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme, Nottingham City Council and other partners, the restoration of Highfields Park — which is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2017 — will restore the Grade II listed park to the grandeur of its heyday as well as adding new attractions for park visitors.

Highfields Park will remain open throughout the duration of the restoration project, which will take place in phases and will also include:

• Restoring buildings, park infrastructure and features including bridges, historic railings, ticket office and boathouse.
• De-silting the lake and improving the waterside boating area.
• Repairing footpaths.
• Refurbishing the entrance from the new tram stop, including creating an entrance feature and restoring the historic gas lamps.
• Tree works, including opening up historic views.
• Producing new croquet lawns from the two current bowling greens, enhancing the high quality croquet facilities.

The Lottery funding has paid for the employment of a Park Ranger, who will lead ‘Restoration Rambles’ over the course of the work so that park visitors can see the transformation unfold.  The next ramble will take place on Thursday 3 August from 2pm to 3pm with more happening later in the month. Booking is helpful, but not essential, by phoning 0115 8467777.

The Park Ranger has also set up a Friends of Highfields Park group for volunteers who want to get involved with practical work on site.  For more details phone 07908 488721.

More information about the Highfields Park restoration can be found on the Nottingham City Council website.