THE major transformation of the historic, Grade II-listed walled garden at Kirkleatham Estate has been captured by drone footage.

Visible from the footage are the beginnings of what could be one of the region’s finest gardens, as well as the nearly-completed quality restaurant and events venue.

The attraction will also be a horticultural and catering training facility, supporting the growing and management of produce in the gardens for local consumption.

From the footage, the new road link off the A174 can be seen, as well as the 300-space car park for the attraction.

The gardens, which have been closed for more than 30 years, are expected to be open to the public once again this spring.

It is hoped at least an extra 30,000 visitors a year will be attracted to the borough and nearly 40 jobs and 160 training places could be created in the first five years of operation.

Councillor Wayne Davies, cabinet member for economic development at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “You can see from the footage just how much work has gone into this project to develop such a fantastic attraction.

“Not only will this bring visitors far and wide to the historic Kirkleatham Estate, but it will create jobs and training opportunities of which the impact will be felt right across the Tees Valley.

“We are incredibly excited for this to open in the spring.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This latest footage shows the incredible transformation of the walled garden so far, which will undoubtedly bring more people to Redcar and the wider area, spending their money and supporting our business.

“Each training opportunity and job created shows how our funding is directly helping local people across a whole range of sectors, boosting the whole of the Tees Valley.”

Funding has come from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Coastal Communities Fund and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.