Argyll and Bute Council have issued an update regarding a proposed refurbishment project for Hermitage Park.

In January 2014, the local authority, in partnership with the Friends of Hermitage Park, was told by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that its bid for a grant of up to £2,087,000 to improve the area's only urban park had received first round approval.

The approval included a fund of £169,700 to carry out the development phase of the project.

In a statement, the Council said the initial grant will pay for the development of the whole park plan, including proposals for the A-listed monument and memorial gardens, investigative works to deal with the problems of flooding and erosion and a community consultation process.

The overall aim of the initiative is to restore the park's heritage, undertake significant repair work and transform the recreational space for the benefit of the public.

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The development phase will end with the submission of the stage two application which could be by February 2015. In order to allow plans to continue, work needs to be carried out in the background and this includes processes such as the recruitment of a dedicated park officer, the issuing of tenders for consultants, the appointment of consultants and public consultations on the draft plans.

Argyll and Bute Council's Policy Lead for Amenity Services, Councillor Ellen Morton, explained: "The first stage approval from HLF in January was very welcome news indeed. This is such an exciting project and I for one am eager to see the project move forward.

"People are, as I am, keen to see work beginning, however, I would encourage patience. Just because there are no workmen on site does not mean there is no work ongoing. Projects like this are like icebergs – much of the work can be unseen.

"We are committed to getting this project right and I can assure you we will be working hard to do just that and to keep the public informed at each stage as the project develops. We are also eager to hear from members of the public with any ideas they might have for the park's future development. Their input is vital."

Chris Packard, Chair of the Friends of Hermitage Park, added: "This is not a process that can be rushed and likewise the whole development phase, an important part of which will be the public consultation, will take time.

"Although the main works are unlikely to be completed before 2017, the council and Friends will continue to carry out regular improvements in the park and we hope that new volunteers will come forward to help."

(JP/MH)