THE final phase of a project to transform John Whitehead Park in Billingham is set to get underway.

Stockton Borough Council’s Heart of the Park project will put the finishing touches to the regeneration of the park.

The investment will create a new ‘core area’ in the centre of the park where users will benefit from new pathways, seating and surface improvements, landscaping, newly planted trees and an area for events.

The full £200,000 cost of the project is being met by Able UK through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Councillor Ken Dixon, the council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “The park is already well used and valued by the local community and the new sports facilities are already attracting more people there.

“This new phase of works will complete the development of the park and further enhance it as a space for leisure, sport or relaxation that everyone can enjoy.”

Work on Heart of the Park is scheduled to start this month and is expected to be completed by Christmas.

The new project follows the unveiling of a range of brand new and refurbished recreational facilities at John Whitehead Park last month.

The £320,000 Sport in the Park project has seen the refurbishment of existing facilities including the park’s tennis courts, as well as the installation of a brand new BMX and skate park and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).

Funding for the new sports facilities was secured from a number of sources - SITA Trust, Sport England’s Inspired Facilities programme, Provident Financial, Billingham Town Council and Stockton Council.

To find out more about the on-going redevelopment of Billingham town centre visit stockton.gov.uk/billingham