Construction work has started on a £2.6m project to revamp the Memorial Gardens in Norwich, which closed in 2004 after faults were found with the site's supporting structure.

Funding for the scheme has been provided as part of a collaboration and investment agreement between Norwich City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the government's regeneration agency. The building on which the Memorial Gardens is situated will benefit from much-needed repair work and the structure's roof will be replaced as part of the project, while the stone finishes and gardens will be upgraded.

Work will also include the lifting and turning of the memorial itself to make it accessible from St Peters Street, which will receive a ramp and steps to lead into the central part of the gardens. Terry Fuller, HCA regional director, said: "The partnership agreement between the HCA and Norwich City Council has enabled us to reimagine the way that regeneration projects are delivered around the city."

Construction firm R G Carter has been appointed to carry out the scheme, which is expected to take 60 weeks to complete.