Tewkesbury’s cherished Victoria Pleasure Gardens will soon see the restoration of its historic boundary wall after it partially collapsed earlier this year. The wall, which dates back to the old Benedictine Abbey precinct and also acts as a vital flood defence for the town, is set to be repaired with an investment exceeding £230,000.
Following the collapse in 2023, protective hoardings were erected to ensure public safety. Recognizing the gardens as one of the town’s most frequented recreational spaces, Tewkesbury Borough Council unanimously approved the repair project on June 24th.
A thorough tender process, guided by an independent structural engineer’s design, has secured a contractor ready to commence work in August. The restoration is expected to take approximately 13 weeks, aiming to preserve the wall’s structural integrity for future generations while reinstating its picturesque presence in the gardens.
READ MORE: Spectacular Confetti Fields Bloom Early, Perfect for Royal and Celebrity Wedding Photos
The council allocated £236,699 for the project, covering all associated costs including hoarding, planning consent, and ecological surveys, along with a 15% contingency allowance. Of this amount, residents of Abbey Court are responsible for contributing £86,692.15 plus VAT.
To ease the financial burden, the council offers residents the option to pay their share via instalments spread over three years. Non-payment will lead to legal action, potentially resulting in a charge against the beneficiary property’s title.
Councillor Stewart Dove (LD, Churchdown St John’s) expressed optimism about the progress, commending council officers for securing a fair solution. “The wall’s partial collapse in March 2023 was unfortunate,” he noted. “Ownership is shared between the council and residents whose gardens border the wall. We’ve reached an agreement allowing flexible payment arrangements, which should help all parties involved.”
Funding for the repairs will come from council reserves. The medieval stone wall marks the historic southern boundary of Victoria Gardens, a riverside park established in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Situated on land once traversed by the old Gloucester road and reshaped through rerouting of the Avon Mill stream, the gardens remain a treasured public space.
The gardens are maintained by The Friends of Victoria Gardens, a dedicated volunteer group primarily supported by donations, ensuring the park’s continued upkeep and enjoyment by the community.