£5.6m project to improve Aquadrome submitted
A multi-million-pound bid has been submitted to fund a major £5.6m project that aims to enhance and protect a well-loved local nature reserve.
Three Rivers District Council has today (Thursday 12 November) applied to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for £4.2m for the three-year delivery phase of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project.
The council expects to hear the decision between February and March 2027. Subject to contractors and relevant permissions, residents and visitors can expect to see boots on the ground soon afterwards carrying out many exciting improvements that aims to enhance the visitor experience and protect the unique wildlife.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “Today, we have submitted a £4.2m bid to the Heritage Fund and, if successful, will enable us to begin so many wonderful works, such as new landscaping works to create a welcome hub outside the café, river restoration works and many more. The council’s immediate priority is reopening the Woodland Walk.
“We are committed to completing the three-year programme, and that is why I am also very pleased we have secured £1.4m of external funds, including a contribution from the council.”
Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure, added: “Clearly, the Aquadrome is well-loved by residents and visitors from afar, and that is well reflected in the comments and feedback we have received from the multiple engagement events we held in the last 12 months.
“I would like to thank everyone who has engaged with us, and I want to say a special thank you to all the officers who have worked very hard in getting us to this point. While we wait for the decision, you can keep up to date and read more about the project on the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Project webpage.”
Last year, Three Rivers District Council was awarded £736,515, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, to develop a Master Plan and detailed designs so that the council has clear specifications, costings and planned programmes to inform the £5m Delivery Phase funding application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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