Luton's historic Wardown Park lake and boathouse to be restored

Wardown Park is on Old Bedford Road, close to the town centre

A lake and historic boathouse in one of a town's "most loved" parks are to be restored, thanks to a lottery grant.

Improvements will be made to the Grade II-listed landscape in Wardown Park, Luton.

Owned by Luton Borough Council, the park was opened in 1904.

In total £274,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will be spent on restoring and repairing "the main structure of the lake" and improve biodiversity.

The council describes the park as "the jewel in the crown of Luton's parks with outstanding features, such as the fountain and boating lake, and a rich history"

The project would help "preserve the Wardown Park Grade II-listed landscape and the park's cultural and historical significance", the council said.

New planting will be introduced and wetland habitats and the boathouse will be upgraded.

"There will be a focus on natural management and sustainability of the lake by taking account of the River Lea watercourse and catchment that feeds it," it added.

• Luton's Hat Garden park featuring famed Arndale flamingos opens

• Return of former Mall flamingos stalls

• Mall flamingos installed without planning approval

Hazel Simmons, Labour council leader and portfolio holder responsible for parks, said: "Wardown is one of our most loved parks. It has served the community for over 100 years and we hope the engagement programme will encourage even more visitors."

She said the restoration would help to meet targets in the council's heritage strategy, including the aspiration to deliver a River Lea Linear Park.

"I could not be more pleased that we are able to restore the lake and preserve this heritage landscape," Ms Simmons added.

The funding would help the authority to progress its plans to apply for a full Heritage Fund grant of a potential £2.5m, it said.