Markeaton Park in Derby to be given £2.5m new look

The park once formed part of the grounds of Markeaton Hall which was demolised in 1964

A park in Derby city centre is to receive £2.5m worth of improvements.

Derby City Council has been handed the grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to give Markeaton Park a complete refurbishment.

The plans include restoring park buildings, improving its gardens, paths, play equipment and craft village and creating a new courtyard space.

Work on the park, which first opened in 1755, will start in 2014 and is due to be completed the following year.

Martin Repton, the city council's cabinet member of leisure and cultural services, said the improvements were much-needed.

"The park, to fulfil its potential in the 21st Century, needs plenty of tender loving care and major investment to shine again," he said.