MULTI-MILLION pound plans to improve Victoria Park ahead of London 2012 received a major boost when the London Marathon Charitable Trust gave them a �235,000 cash injection.

The funding will go towards the new changing and community sports’ building in the east of the park, which will provide better sports facilities for the borough’s residents.

Tower Hamlets council is now talking

The council will now talk to the national governing bodies for cricket, football, and rugby to ensure that the facilities meet the necessary requirements. They will also look towards gaining funding from the national governing bodies, and other funding outlets.

The �235,000 funding comes from the London Marathon Charitable Trust, which organises the London Marathon each year – almost half of the 26.2 mile course is run through Tower Hamlets.

The �12 million improvement plans for Victoria Park were drawn up in consultation with residents and park users, and include a host of improvements ranging from a new skate park, improved model boating lake, better sports facilities, and much more.

The stone Dogs of Archibades, which guard Bonner Gate in the West of the park have already been restored, and works are already underway to upgrade the walkways within the park.

The majority of the funding comes from the council, with �4.5 million awarded through the Parks for People programme – a �90 million joint project between the Big Lottery Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund.