Nottingham's Forest Recreation Ground restoration completed

The lodge building at the Forest had fallen into disrepair

Restoration work at a Nottingham park has been completed after almost a year.

More than £5m has been spent on the Forest Recreation Ground since the project was approved in July last year.

Work has included refurbishing the pavilion to include a cafe and function room and restoring the Grade II listed lodge.

Funding for the project, some of which came from the Heritage Lottery Fund, has also been spent on improving the park's paths, lighting and entrance.

The lodge, which dates back to 1857, had been unoccupied for several years and fallen into disrepair, regularly being targeted by vandals.

'Reminder of heritage'

June Perry, chair of the Friends of the Forest group, said: "A decade ago the Forest was regarded as a piece of wasteland, available for all sorts of misuse and the semi-derelict lodge was like a symbol of this neglect.

"The city's determination to bring the Forest back to its proper status has been achieved little by little over the years.

"Our park is now equal with Nottingham's other fine open spaces."

Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for leisure and culture added: "The Lodge is a key part of the restoration. It is an important reminder of the city's heritage.

"It's great see the building returning to its former glory as an iconic gateway into the park."

The final phase of the work will continue on the park's sports facilities.