AN Edwardian Park in Co Down is to be restored to its former glory in a bid to place it "back at the heart of the community".
Warrenpoint Municipal Park has been awarded a £850,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant, which will be used to regenerate the venue and restore many of the park's Edwardian features.
The restoration project will safeguard the park's remaining historic features in danger of being lost, including a listed bandstand - one of the finest remaining examples in Northern Ireland - which will be carefully refurbished.
The revitalised park will also provide a space for people to relax and enjoy, as well as providing opportunities to learn more about its heritage.
During the late 19th century, Warrenpoint was a premiere holiday destination. Designed by Thomas Smith of the Daisy Hill Nursery, it was opened in 1906 and established as an attraction for both visitors and local people to enjoy.
In 2014, HLF awarded development funding of £82,000 to help progress the restoration plans.
But now the latest grant will allow for the development of the 1930s pavilion building into a new interpretative centre to tell the story of the park and its generations of users.
An events and activities programme will explore and celebrate the park's natural, cultural and built heritage through guided walks, talks and volunteer opportunities.
Other improvements will see the original planting re-instated, pathways resurfaced and new lighting, drainage and interpretative signage introduced.
The more recent additions to the park such as the children's play area and tennis courts will be retained and upgraded, which alongside new facilities including an outdoor gym, will create an exciting space for a wide range of users.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Warrenpoint Municipal Park Steering Group have been involved in the project, with the council also providing significant funding.
Council chairperson Gillian Fitzpatrick said the park is "an important asset to the district, it is utilised by both the local community and visitors from further afield".
"This funding will help restore it to its former Edwardian glory."
Paul Mullan from the HLF said: "Our public parks provide a shared space for enjoyment, recreation and relaxation and are hugely important to local communities.
"Key to the success of this project has been the strong relationships that have been built between the council and local community as the plans have been developed, and we are delighted to use National Lottery players' money to return the park to its former glory and increase enjoyment of this wonderful space."
