Durham's Wharton Park to close for one year for £3m revamp

At the south side of the park are Grade 2 listed battlements dating back to 1858

Wharton Park in Durham City is to close for one year as work gets under way on a £3m restoration.

The park was opened to the public in 1858 and was the site of the first Durham Miners' Gala in 1871.

The project will see a new heritage centre, cafe and play areas built, along with the restoration of the park's amphitheatre and footpaths.

A Durham County Council spokesman said it was great to see work getting under way on the city's "hidden gem".

The project received a £2.45m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and additional funding from Durham County Council and the council's Durham Area Action Partnership.

Wharton Park closes for 12 months on 11 May.