WORK will get underway this week on a £3m project to restore a popular Victorian park.

Contractors Esh Construction Ltd have been appointed to carry out the restoration of Wharton Park in Durham with work set to begin today (Monday, July 6)

The project was granted funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will allow the renovation of the 10-acre site to take place over the coming year.

The rejuvenation of the park will include the creation of a new heritage centre and café; new play and fitness areas; development of an events and activities programme and restoration of existing features of the park including the amphitheatre, battlements and the miniature car track.

Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, said: “I’m delighted work is set to begin soon on this fantastic project.

“The city will benefit from yet more new leisure facilities and this will become a tourist attraction for both local people and visitors alike.”

The park, which became known as the People’s Park, was first opened to the public in 1858 and was the site of the first Durham Miners’ Gala held in 1871 before it moved to The Sands the following year and then to its current location on The Racecourse.