More than £1.5 million could be spent on improving facilities in city centre parks - and a county councillor is getting ready to celebrate already.

The city council has drawn up a list of schemes set to benefit from a £5m Levelling Up grant, which is aimed at developing “the creative and cultural sector”.

The council is considering spending £900,000 on improving access and security at Pitchcroft, as well as equipping it with standing facilities such as power and water.

The idea is that this would turn Worcester’s biggest open space into a more sustainable events venue - it would not, though, increase the limited number of events that can be held at the site.

Another proposal would see £742,000 invested in two city parks.

The Grade II listed bandstand at Gheluvelt Park would be refurbished and new performance and family social spaces would be created at Cripplegate Park, with new accessible toilets installed in both locations.

St John’s county councillor Richard Udall said: “I have been working with Friends of Cripplegate Park for some time to try and gain a bandstand or a performance area in the park.

“They have a design and have widely consulted on their plans, what they did not have was the funds.

“When I saw the government levelling up money for Worcester, I realised it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure funding to make the dream a reality.

“We still have some way to go, but I'm delighted that officers are recommending a bid to fund the scheme.

“We have been putting on performances in the park with local groups and musicians for some time, but without a stage we have been limited with what we can provide - this will make it so much better and will enable us to attract even more artists to the park.

“At the next event in Cripplegate I will lead a conga around the park to celebrate - we are looking forward to bringing the fun back to Cripplegate.”

All of Worcester City Council’s proposals, which also include a Battle of Worcester sculpture, investment in museums and arts projects, will go before the council’s Policy and Resources Committee next week.