MAJOR improvements to visitor facilities at a historic hall and country park are starting this month.

The visitor centre at Oakwell Hall and Country Park is being refurbished, lighting at the barn is being upgraded and new food preparation areas are being installed for event caterers.

A new set of iron gates will be installed at the courtyard entrance.

The gates have been designed by artist Antonia Stowe to reflect Oakwell’s natural history.

The visitor centre will close for the work on November 16, and will reopen in spring 2015.

Councillor Peter O’Neill, Kirklees cabinet member for leisure, said: .

“When the new facilities are in place I am sure visitors will agree it was worth all the upheaval.”

The work is funded by the Arts Council England.