St George Park: Lake closes as £400,000 works to create new boardwalk and ‘natural ampitheatre’ begins

A stretch of St George Park will be sealed off for six months as major work to transform the site’s Victorian lake begins.

The area around the historic lake will be closed to the public tomorrow (Wednesday, November 17) so that Bristol City Council can install security and safety fencing before the £400,000 restoration can commence.

As well as repairs to the lake walls and surrounding footpaths, the project will see the creation of a new boardwalk where children can watch wildlife and take samples from the water.

The council also hope to make a ‘natural amphitheatre’ on the side of the lake for outdoor performances.

The main work will begin on November 22 and will take around six months.

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said this was because officers will have to remove and rebuild the existing lake edge wall in stages so that the footpath doesn’t collapse.

They added: “We’ve also allowed more time for bad weather, because we’re doing the work in winter and early spring. The area around the lake will be closed until the work is finished.

“We’re sorry if the work causes any inconvenience for people who use St George Park.”

It is hoped the restoration will improve facilities on and around the lake for visitors as well as the natural environment for birds and other wildlife to thrive.

Silt from the lake will even be used to make new wetland areas for wildfowl, frogs, newts and insects.