Nostalgic images of paddling pool ahead of return

A fixture of Nottingham from summers past is due to return in a new form.

The Victoria Embankment paddling pool opened in 1928 and has provided entertainment for generations of children.

It shut in 2021 due to ongoing maintenance problems but has now undergone a £750,000 facelift.

As well as a completely refurbished pool, the attraction has been given a splash zone and the area has been landscaped.

The 1928 pool originally cost £1,650 and held 56,000 gallons when full, using water pumped in from the Trent.

The new project has been funded by the National Lottery with additional government and developer backing.

The city council said designs were shaped by extensive local engagement "to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable facility".

Pupils from Victoria Primary, Welbeck Primary, and St Patrick's Catholic Voluntary Academy were also asked to provide ideas and designs.

One of these was to include references to a concrete frog which was a popular centrepiece of the pool until it was vandalised in 2009.

While not returning, the frog is recalled in signage, new murals and a frog-shaped litter bin.

Other additions are new drainage and water processing systems, thousands of new flowers and wider landscaping.

Jane Barton, from the city council, said: "It's hugely important, particularly for the local population.

"It has been part of this community for nearly 100 years, so people have a lot of fond memories of playing here as children.

"Both grandparents and parents talk about it all the time.

"Now it is coming back as a pool but also as a fun play area."

The pool is due to officially open with a series of events on the bank holiday weekend of 23 to 26 May.

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