Portsmouth’s Victoria Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, officially recognising it as one of the country’s finest parks following a £2.9m refurbishment project.
The historic park, known as Portsmouth’s ‘People’s Park’, joined three other local green spaces in achieving the coveted status. Southsea Rock Garden, Milton Park in Southsea, and Baffins Pond all retained their Green Flag Awards – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Victoria Park’s recent £2.9m transformation was delivered by Portsmouth City Council with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The comprehensive refurbishment restored the fountain and memorials, created a new play area for under-fives, refurbished the aviary, and constructed the ‘Green House’ community building at the park’s heart.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: “A huge amount of work has gone into reinvigorating Victoria Park into Portsmouth’s ‘People’s Park’, so it can continue to be enjoyed by families and people of all ages for years to come.
“Green Flag status is the benchmark for parks and green spaces in UK, so this award is recognition of the hard work to create a park where people and nature come together in harmony. Retaining the award in our other areas also underlines our commitment to maintaining the highest standard of outdoor spaces for our residents.”
Originally opened in 1878, Victoria Park underwent a four-year revitalisation project beginning in 2021. The comprehensive restoration has returned the historic space to its former glory whilst creating modern amenities for contemporary use.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to see Victoria Park receive the prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of the country’s best-loved green spaces. Thanks to National Lottery players, this historic park has been restored to its former glory while creating new opportunities for the community to connect with nature and heritage in their city.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of Portsmouth City Council and the local community in making Victoria Park a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable space for generations to come.”
The four Portsmouth locations are amongst 2,250 areas across the UK to achieve the award this year.
Southsea Rock Garden provides a tranquil escape for visitors whilst offering rich wildlife habitat, with the Friends of Southsea Rock Garden volunteers playing a crucial role in its maintenance and enhancement.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Victoria Park who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like Victoria Park make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.
“Crucially, Victoria Park is a vital green space for communities in Portsmouth to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for green space management across the United Kingdom and internationally.
