New lakeside shelter for Victoria Park

Funded through the Healthy Town strand of the Nelson Town Deal project, it has replaced the concrete shelter that had been in the park for decades.

The new structure combines modern design with hints of historical links to the park’s Victorian base and has been designed to reduce anti-social behaviour and vandalism issues.

The surrounding area has been landscaped and new, bespoke seating - replicating the shape of the original shelter – has been added.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, said: “As part of the Nelson Town Deal project, we recognised the old concrete shelter needed to be replaced. Its old design no longer met modern needs and it was a harbour for anti-social behaviour.  

“A lot of work has gone into this project and the Friends of Victoria Park group had a huge input, alongside the general public, when consultations were held.

“I’m sure everyone will be delighted with the end result, and it will be greatly used by visitors to the park.”

Phil Riley, Pendle Borough Council’s Green Spaces Manager, added: “A public consultation was held in October 2022.

“The overwhelming majority of respondents chose a bespoke design which was modern, but also related to the historical nature of Victoria Park.

“The new shelter has no fixed sides and the gutters and downpipes are built-in, so there is less structure to vandalise.

Vegetation has been pruned to allow clear views to both Pendle Water and the lake - all part of our efforts to make the park feel safe and welcoming to all.”

The new design features rolled steelwork incorporating fretwork of the existing Victorian wooden bridge and sweeping arches to copy the brick bridge on Carr Road that crosses the river.

A bespoke, solid steel seat replicates the footprint of the original shelter, designed so it can be used to suit all park-users, whether it’s someone stopping for a rest to admire the view of the lake or a family using the space for a picnic.

Councillor Zafar Ali, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, added: “I’m pleased to see this new shelter has been sympathetically designed to reflect the park’s history, while made in a way to make it last for years to come.”