Revamp ofpark starts in just two months

The start of the 2.25m long-awaited project is set for late October. The successful contractor for the major scheme is set to be appointed by Arun District Council next month. A progress report was given to the council's Hotham Park working party on Tuesday. Hotham Park project manager Rachel Alderson told members from the council and groups such as Hotham Park Heritage Trust that the preparatory work was going well behind the scenes.

Everything was on schedule to allow work to begin in line with the programme agreed with the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is providing 1.5m of backing.

Tender documents were issued and a main contractor is set to be appointed this week. The focus of the work will be on recreating the look of the park from 1912 when it was a private garden.

The principal change will be the removal of what is left of the Rainbows End theme park, closed in 1998, and the restoration of the 5.3acres as grassland into the rest of the park. The neighbouring boat lake will also be restored.

The house clock tower will be renovated, the park's drainage improved and some trees removed to open up the appearance of the park.

Two new entrances will be created in the western boundary along Church Path. The two new sets of gates will incorporate artwork by local schoolchildren.

Working party member Cllr Paul Wells urged the council to ensure the members of Arun's partner in the scheme, the Hotham Park Heritage Trust, knew the fate of its country fair next year as soon as possible. 'The fair is a real asset to the town and the trust need a clear statement for next year so they can carry on the good work.'