Thousands visit newly-restored Chapel

Royal Victoria County Park in Netley is having a double celebration as it has received a Green Heritage Award, just as the former military hospital Chapel opened after a £3.5 million refurbishment, seeing record numbers through the doors.

In the first five days of opening, over 2,500 people visited the Chapel and over 100 people a day have enjoyed the panoramic views a trip to the top of the Chapel tower brings.

Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “What an amazing time it is for Royal Victoria Country Park, not only the first of Hampshire’s parks to receive an international mark of quality in the form of a Green Heritage Award but also welcoming over 2,500 people into the Chapel, in just five days.”

The Green Heritage Award is an international mark of quality given to sites that manage their heritage features to a high standard and recognises the substantial investment that’s gone into the Chapel refurbishment project. It’s awarded by Green Flag and aims to raise the standard of Parks and Green spaces which are of local or national historic interest.

Councillor Woodward added: “This is a fantastic achievement that wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the staff and volunteers that help not only conserve the historical elements of the site but bring its history alive through their own passion and experiences — something that can now be enjoyed by everyone that visits the park. Huge congratulations to all those involved.”