Date published: 2026-10-19 | Category: Delivering for local residents
Work has started on improvements to lighting and pedestrian areas in Bath’s Royal Victoria Park, helping to make the park safer, more accessible and easier to use throughout the year.
The work forms part of a wider package of walking and wheeling improvements being delivered by Bath & North East Somerset Council in the park.
Improved lighting, which received positive feedback in a consultation on the scheme, has been designed to make the route feel safer, provide even light levels avoiding bright and dark areas while being sensitive to the ecology of the park.
Consideration has been given to minimising impacts on tree roots from lighting column foundations and avoiding potential bat roosts in tree canopies. The lighting columns have been chosen to fit in with and celebrate the heritage of this much-loved park
New raised crossings at designated points will also make it easier and safer for people to get around the park and a new zebra crossing will also be provided in Park Lane, near the park entrance, while accessible parking provision is being increased close to key amenities.
Work will be carried out in phases to help minimise disruption while maintaining access through the park. During the first two weeks of construction, vehicle access and parking will be restricted on sections of the western and southern park roads.
Vehicle access via Park Lane will remain available, and short-stay parking including blue badge holder parking on the northern and eastern park roads, as well as on Park Lane and Weston Road, will continue to be available. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.
The council and contractor are working closely with park businesses to ensure deliveries can continue, and events taking place in the park will go ahead as planned. Visitors should, however, be aware of temporary restrictions to vehicle movements and parking in some areas of the park
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said:
“We all love Royal Victoria Park and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely and easily. From this week our contractors are starting work on improvements including better lighting, crossings and pavements which will make a real difference, particularly for people walking or wheeling through the park and for those using it during the darker months.”
The improvements form part of the Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links programme, funded by the Department for Transport through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements programme.
The council previously consulted on proposals for Royal Victoria Park and revised the design following feedback from residents.
The wider programme of work in Royal Victoria Park is intended to be completed by mid-March, ahead of the Bath Half Marathon, with the phasing of work taking account of key events.
Further information is available on the council’s Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling pages.
Alongside the transport improvements, work is progressing on the restoration of Royal Victoria Park's historic ponds. The silt and damaged liner were removed this month as the latest step of the project to bring back a reliable water supply and help wildlife thrive. The council will consult this autumn the long-term future of the ponds.
The council is also working to secure the long-term future of golf and footgolf at Royal Victoria Park following a decision by the previous operator to cease trading on 31 August. Excel Tennis Ltd, which operates the tennis courts and Treetop Café in the park, is keeping golf and footgolf available at weekends during October while the council completes the process of appointing a new long-term operator from November.