WORK on the refurbishment of Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley is due to start at the beginning of next month.

The £4.5 million project will see the grounds restored to their Victorian splendour, with features including a new palm house, cafe terrace with refurbished pathways and new planting.

Bradford Council successfully bid for £3.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks For People fund and work will now start in June following detailed planning and consultation.

Victorian features, that have long since been neglected, such as a fountain and decorative lights, will be restored to working condition.

The project has been designed with help from the Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council's executive member for environment, sport and culture, said: "A great deal of hard work has gone into ensuring this project is a success. It will create something really special which will delight visitors for many years to come.”

"The Cliffe Castle Park project will complement the recent restoration of the museum, recreating and rejuvenating a marvellous asset for everyone to enjoy.”

Created by wealthy mill owner Henry Isaac Butterfield in the 1870s, Cliffe Castle and its grounds were later donated to the people of Keighley.

Fiona Spiers, head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "HLF is pleased to support Bradford Council in the restoration of Cliffe Castle Park.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, the historical importance of Cliffe Castle Park will be preserved for the local community, and important features such as the sensory garden and the diverse range of plant species found in the park will now be protected.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund uses funds raised through the National Lottery players to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about.

This ranges from the archaeology under their feet to the historic parks and buildings, people love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife.