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Colchester Civic Society are calling on Colchester City Council to ‘stop dithering’ and make an immediate public commitment to restore and reopen the Victorian Boating Lake in Castle Park and to ‘firmly and quickly scotch rumours’ that the lake is to be permanently decommissioned.
The lake has stood empty, neglected and decaying since the council drained it after the collapse of the Middle Mill Weir in December 2023.
We are concerned that the City Council has not yet committed to restore and reopen the much-loved Victorian Boating Lake in Castle Park.
We’ve heard various rumours, one of which is that the boating lake is to be permanently de- commissioned and call on the council to firmly and quickly scotch this worrying possibility’
The boating lake is an integral part of Castle Park – it’s been there as long as the park itself and is included in the park’s grade ll listing and the supposed protection such a listing offer.
Generations of Colcestrians have incredibly happy memories of the boating lake which dates back to the 1800’s and is an important part of Colchester’s Victorian heritage.
No doubt, after standing empty and neglected for the last three years the lake – which dates back to the 1800’s – will now need some major restoration and repair. Presumably the brickwork and cement will need quite a bit of attention. No doubt that will cost money.
But frankly, that’s money the council will just have to find and have to spend. Grants are no doubt available. Have the council spent any time over the last three years looking at potential sources of funding?
If they haven’t, then perhaps they should commit now, to using some of the profits from this years Summer Concert Series to fund the restoration, repair and reopening of the park’s cherished boating lake?’
For our part, Colchester Civic Society stands ready and willing to help in any way we can…
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