AN exciting £2 million project to improve Runcorn Hill Park has been launched.

Halton Mayor Clr Margaret Ratcliffe unveiled the Heritage Lottery funded scheme by planting new trees.

A new lakeside pavilion cafe is being created.

The bowling pavilion is to be refurbished and used as a workshop by Runcorn Model Boat Club.

Clr Ratcliffe said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in their local area with improvements already being made by the current group of volunteers involved with the project.”

The new trees are near the proposed new park pavilion building, off Highlands Road, which is replacing trees that had been planted as part of the playground improvements but had been damaged.

Clr Ron Hignett, board member for physical environment, said: “I am pleased to help launch this project which will become a valuable resource for the people of Halton and the wider area.

“We are all looking forward to when the new park facilities will be available to use by the public in the summer next year.”

Halton Council was successful in securing £2 million funding consisting of £1.3 million HLF Parks for People funding and additional match-funding for the restoration, interpretation and improvement needed for the park to develop and succeed, and for its merits to be enjoyed and offered to a wider audience.

The funding is to be spent over five years with completion in 2018 of £1m worth of new capital work.

The remaining £1 million will help support two part-time posts to help deliver a range of activity projects to help improve and encourage wider groups to use the park.

These are led by Michelle Shuker, park community engagement officer and Siobhan Royle, park conservation partnership officer.