Belleisle Park, Ayr, has secured more than £1.9m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The award will be used to deliver a five-year masterplan to restore and rejuvenate the park.

Through the Parks for People initiative, Belleisle was awarded £1,938,400 and plans for the funds include:

• The redevelopment of Belleisle stable block, providing a cafe, toilets and further multi-functional space
• The refurbishment of Belleisle Conservatory
• The development of landscaping and further woodland management
• The relocation and upgrading of the play area
• Upgrading of the footpath network, improved accessibility, improved park furniture, litter bins and interpretative signage
• The development of events and volunteer participation.

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Welcoming the announcement, Councillor John McDowall, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability said: "This really is a sensational start to the new year and will help accelerate our vision to transform the park, developing the landscape, refreshing the buildings and transforming this jewel in our crown.

"In developing the bid proposal, we enjoyed superb support from Belleisle Conservatory Limited, the Friends of Belleisle and local community groups and this success is a real credit to their commitment and their passion for the park."

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in Scotland, added: "The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to start the new year with good news for Belleisle Park. This much-loved park is set to return to the popularity of its heyday with help from our Parks for People programme.

"This grants programme has been hugely successful in encouraging many thousands back through park gates by combining people's pride in the history of their green spaces with the need to provide up-to-date facilities and access.

"The transformation of Belleisle Park will make a huge difference to the quality of life for the residents of Ayr as well as bringing a new optimism to the town for the year ahead."

(JP/CD)