WORK is progressing on a £3.6m restoration project at Chester’s Grosvenor Park.

The first area being tackled is the pond and improved play facilities will be installed nearby, next to the miniature railway.

Work will then commence on the Grade II listed Lodge and new Belvedere training building and continue in phases around the park until completion in late Spring 2014.

Members of the public and local schools recently visited an open drop-in session to share their opinions on the latest plans.

Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “The council successfully bid for funds from the Heritage Lottery’s ‘Parks for People’ to restore and redesign Grosvenor Park and I am delighted with how the project is progressing.

“Enabling works have already begun on the extensive project – unearthing archaeological artefacts including a complete medieval tile and I look forward to watching the project continue over the coming year.”

The project is expected to be completed in late spring 2014 and will include the construction of a new training and events pavilion with toilets, internal remodelling and restoration, as well as an extension to the Grade ll listed Park Lodge to include a café and first floor meeting rooms for community use.

There will be some disruption while the works take place and some areas of the park may be closed off at times to facilitate the works. Alternative public toilets can be found off The Groves along the River Dee until the new ones are opened.

Information regarding the phasing of the works, as it becomes available, can be found on information boards on site and by visiting: www.talkingwestcheshire.org.