A HISTORIC bandstand that has fallen into disrepair will be finally refurbished.

The grade II-listed bandstand and timber bridge in Gheluvelt Park has been a staple in the park since 1923 but over recent years it has gradually fallen into disrepair.

For decades, it has been the stage for performances by bands enjoyed by residents but at the moment it is in a sorry state with plants growing out of its guttering and overgrown brushes around the sides of the bandstand.

The bridge is also broken, providing limited access to the bandstand, and many parts of its original structure have gone missing.

However, Worcester City Council has revealed plans to completely restore the bandstand to its former glory.

The council will invest just under £1.28million into the park which will go towards the bandstand and also into Cripplegate Park in St John's.

It hopes the restoration will help bring music back into city parks.

A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “The city council plans to complete a restoration of the Grade II Listed bandstand and timber bridge.

“The project is part of our bid for £5million Levelling Up Fund money for cultural investment from the Government.

“Both structures require repair and refurbishment before they can be reopened for public use.

“The ‘music for everyone at Cripplegate and Gheluvelt Parks’ project is a £1.279 million initiative which will be funded through the Levelling Up Fund scheme.

“This includes delivering a new outdoor performance space in Cripplegate Park and accessible toilets at both locations.”

The structure of the bridge at the Gheluvelt Park bandstand has undergone minor alteration since its installation.

Gheluvelt Park opened in June 1922 as a memorial park for the battle of Gheluvelt in World War One. 

A spokesperson for National England said: "The Gheluvelt Park Bandstand, Worcester, is listed because other than the perishable wooden bridge and shingle tiles, the structure has undergone little alteration since its installation in 1924.

"The bandstand combines with the homes for disabled servicemen, the arch and gates and the memorial park to form a coherent group of heritage assets which together form a functional memorial and a practical means to commemorate the dead and assist the living."