A Kew Gardens-style glasshouse looks set to form the centrepiece of Castle Park, Colchester, in the 21st century.

The proposal for an indoor winter gardens complex, put forward by Colchester Council, has been given the thumbs-up by the public.

It is one of the ideas most popular with people who filled out questionnaires about the package of proposals to revamp the park.

Many people liked the idea of having a winter garden on the disused nursery site behind the cafe.

They also approved of moving the existing cafe next to the winter garden with a conservatory attached to it.

The feedback from a public consultation launched in September was revealed today.

Almost 3,000 questionnaires were returned to the council and the data is still being collated.

Also popular was a suggestion to move the existing play area near to the glasshouse and introduce a new gardens geared towards families and youngsters.

Many people were captivated by the vision of linking the boating lake with the river and having punting along the Colne, though some had concerns about safety.

Plans to redesign the lake with waterlilies or even a pebble beach were also popular.

The final results of the survey and what they mean will be discussed by councillors early next year.

They will then decide which ones are affordable and the best for the park.

Colchester Council's parks and recreation manager Jan Britton said the winter gardens idea may well be a viable option.

He added: "The first indication from initial assessment shows the package of proposals were broadly supported by the public.

"It confirms Castle Park is close to a lot of people's hearts."

He said all the ideas were affordable in principle but it would become clearer what could be financed once the details of each feature had been worked out.

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