Colchester's Castle Park could be in for a £3 million facelift over the next few years.

Colchester Council is considering an extensive project to revamp the park and plan to start by giving the former nursery site behind the putting green an overhaul.

Head of leisure services Keith Nicholson said: "The park is such an oasis for the town and such an important feature.

"For the park not to have this important chunk of it available is wrong. We are trying to bring a disused bit into use."

He added the rest of the work could follow on later, but the council will concentrate on the former nursery site first. The council may also look into applying for a Heritage lottery grant to fund the scheme.

Proposals for Castle Park, which is listed as grade two on the English Heritage national register of parks and gardens of special historic importance, include:

replacing the toilet block in the lower park with toilets combined with a refreshment kiosk, boat shelter and store

new children's play facilities for all ages up to eleven, including play features as part of a horticultural display

upgrading the footpath that divides upper and lower Castle Park

relocating the upper bowls green out of the park and refurbishing the lower bowls green.

Members of the arts and leisure committee will discuss the plans at their meeting tonight.

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