PARK users will be briefed about plans to restore the site during a year-long closure planned from early in the New Year.

Information boards detailing the £3m restoration of Wharton Park, Durham,will be in place for visitors from tomorrow (Tuesday November 25).

The park closes for 12 months in the spring as work on the revamp gets underway.

It will include the creation of a new heritage centre and café, new play and fitness areas, plus the restoration of existing features of the amphitheatre, battlements and miniature car track.

The park, owned by Durham County Council, occupies 10.7-acrea of land within the Durham City Conservation Area and a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid for funding has led to the restoration.

Information boards outlining the restoration plans will be placed at the North Road entrance and also in the car park.

The public recreation area, which earned the title ‘The People’s Park’, opened in 1858 and was the site of the first Durham Miners’ Gala, in 1871.

The Friends of Wharton Park group is keen for the wider public to become involved in the project.

They are holding a public event at Durham Town Hall on November 25, from 5.30 - 7.30pm, when the final designs will be showcased.

Further information can be found by emailing whartonpark@durham.gov.uk, which includes an outline of the overall project.