Work gets underway this autumn on a package of walking, wheeling and cycling improvements in Royal Victoria Park aimed at making it safer and quicker to get from Weston into the city centre.
The scheme will provide resurfaced pavements, new accessible crossing points, eco-sensitive heritage lighting and a new zebra crossing in Park Lane, near the entrance. It also includes a segregated cycle lane along the park’s southern carriageway and northwest towards Park Lane in contraflow to the current one-way system for all traffic.
Sufficient parking capacity will see 177 spaces remaining within the park, supported by approximately 74 new short-stay spaces in Weston Road, where the first hour is free, plus existing short-stay parking in Park Lane, which is free for up to three hours. Accessible parking provision is also being increased close to key amenities.
New raised crossings at designated points over the cycle lane and southern carriageway will make it easier and safer to cross, while improved lighting and pavements will help support year-round use, particularly during events.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said:
” This scheme was carefully revised following earlier extensive engagement, and we’d like to thank everyone who took part. Royal Victoria Park is one of Bath’s most treasured public spaces, and these improvements will make it safer and more welcoming for everyone. For example, cyclists currently share footpaths with pedestrians in parts of the park, which is not ideal for either. This is about creating safer, fairer access to the park, however people choose or need to travel and whatever their age or ability. “
The scheme forms part of the Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links programme, which is funded by the Department for Transport through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme. It aims to improve active travel connections between Weston and Bath city centre in addition to improving amenity for anyone visiting the park.
Following earlier public consultation, the council ran statutory traffic regulation order (TRO) consultations. Having carefully considered all consultation feedback, the council concluded that the scheme should proceed.
The aim is to start work this autumn and complete it by mid-March ahead of the Bath Half Marathon. Careful consideration will be given to the phasing of the works around key events.
Further information on the scheme, including the outcomes of the statutory TRO consultation, is available at www.bathnes.gov.uk/BWWCL.
Alongside the transport improvements, work is progressing on the restoration of Royal Victoria Park’s historic ponds. The silt and damaged liner were removed this month as the latest step of the project to bring back a reliable water supply and help wildlife thrive. The council will consult this autumn the long-term future of the ponds.
The council is also working to secure the long-term future of golf and footgolf at Royal Victoria Park following a decision by the previous operator to cease trading on 31 August. Excel Tennis Ltd, which operates the tennis courts and Treetop Café in the park, is keeping golf and footgolf available at weekends during October while the council completes the process of appointing a new long-term operator from November.
