A POPULAR city park will be restored to its former glory after it was awarded an £803,500 lottery grant.

Gheluvelt Park, in Barbourne Road, Worcester, will see a cash injection after Worcester City Council received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

The money awarded through the parks and people scheme will allow the park to be returned to its original design, including refurbishment of the children’s play area, the restoration of historic railings and bandstand, new and improved planting design, better access for residents and enhancement of the existing gardens.

The cash will also be spent building a new £33,000 educational feature about the First World War Battle of Gheluvelt commemorated by the park.

Allah Ditta, Worcester City Council cabinet for cleaner and greener, said: “This is fabulous news for the park and we are delighted with the generous funding awarded.

“The park recently received the prestigious Green Flag Award – the national standard for quality parks and green spaces, for the second year running, so this really is the icing on the cake.”

Much-loved by residents, it attracts 45,000 people each year and includes an ornate bandstand currently in disrepair.

The green space was opened in 1922 to commemorate a bloody battle in Belgium, in 1914, involving the Worcestershire Regiment’s 2nd Battalion.

John Taylor, of BIG, said: “Many parks need a helping hand to be restored to their former glory and this investment will help to transform Gheluvelt Park into a community space that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”