These footpath improvements will enable residents and visitors to enjoy a walk or run around the park or explore the town and the surrounding areas with family and friends. Not only is there a new, smoother surface on this section of Riverside Walk, but a much lighter and brighter environment as areas of the surrounding overgrown foliage have also been trimmed back.

The work carried out on the footpaths is part of a package of public realm improvements being completed in Royal Leamington Spa, in preparation for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, when Victoria Park will host the Lawn and Para Bowls events. This work will provide an impressive welcome for visitors and spectators visiting the town during the Games.

Head of Cultural Services at Warwick District Council Rose Winship, said:

“These improvement plans have been carefully considered and demonstrate the immense pride we have in the open spaces of Royal Leamington Spa, which we’ve come to appreciate more than ever before over the past 12 Months. The work to the footpaths will provide a lasting legacy after the games for the local community to enjoy.”

Sarah Windrum, Board Director at the CWLEP, added:

“It is great to see the delivery of a programme which has improved this area of the town to benefit residents as well as visitors from across the world and it also underlines the importance of partnership-working.”

These improvements have been managed and delivered by Warwick District Council and made possible by grant funding in excess of £1.5m allocated from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).