A UNIQUE Middlesbrough beauty spot is set to become a major local attraction with a £250,000 upgrade.

The town's Teessaurus Park on the banks of the River Tees is set to be improved beyond all recognition if plans from Middlesbrough Council's Executive are approved.

New proposals would see the existing dinosaur themed park developed to introduce a number of new facilities which Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said would "turbocharge" the attraction.

Improvements would include the introduction of a café unit with toilets, customer seating and a serving hatch for take away refreshments. It is proposed that the operation of the café is outsourced and managed by an independent business.

Enhanced lighting throughout the park to be installed on columns and located to illuminate paths and the dinosaur sculptures.

Improved footpaths throughout the park to improve accessibility.

A children's zip wire and embankment slide.

Accessible children's play equipment for children with disabilities.

Installation of three CCTV cameras mounted to columns.

Motion sensors and sound system installed on columns close to dinosaur sculptures to make dinosaur sounds when visitors pass them. Points of interest around the park including installation of large outdoor fixed dinosaur-themed jigsaw puzzles and large dinosaur footprints.

Improved signage to direct visitors to the park from the A66.

Improved new signage around the park including educational signage providing information on each dinosaur.

Mr Preston said: "We have a phenomenal opportunity to turbocharge one of the attractions that makes Middlesbrough unique. The park has already been improved thanks in part due to the dedication of volunteers.

"Now this investment will see footfall balloon. The park is ‘Instagrammable', it offers amazing views and it connects people to the River Tees.

"We're going to have breath-taking lighting and add sound effects. Kids are going to love this place even more than they do now. I'm really excited about the events we can hold there. People already travel for miles to visit and these plans will take the park to another level."

The report goes on to highlight how the park could also be used as the centrepiece of riverside walking routes and as a place for potential paleontology lessons for school children.

In recommending the proposals the report to Executive states: "The proposal to improve Teessaurus Park is recommended to enhance the popular and unique park within the town to benefit the people who live and work in Middlesbrough and also to enhance the town's leisure offering to visitors. The outlined developments would increase visitor dwell time at the park which offers large open green spaces, free admission, free car parking and leads on to popular walking routes along the River Tees."

A decision on the improvement works will be taken by Mr Preston and his Executive at a meeting on Tuesday, March 16.