Barnes Park in Sunderland is to be redeveloped thanks to a £2.4m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

The Parks for People award will allow the city council, which is contributing £1.24m towards the project, to develop a multi-use games and an adventure play area for all ages and abilities, as well as a cycleway connected to the popular Coast to Coast cycle route.

Historic features such as the canon, bandstand, railings and gates will be restored, a sensory and formal garden laid, and the lake and surrounding area will be rejuvenated.

A full time community development and education officer will also be based within the park.

Council leader Paul Watson said: "Barnes Park is a key part of Sunderland's heritage. I am very proud that we have now been awarded the funds to restore its historical features and redevelop it for the enjoyment of future generations. The decision is particularly timely as it is 100 years since Barnes Park first opened."

Cllr Mel Speding, member of the portfolio for culture and leisure, added: "This success is also down to the support of the many people involved, including the citizens of Sunderland who gave up their time for the consultations and the local friends and community groups.

"We have some fantastic parks for everyone to enjoy in Sunderland, including Mowbray Park, which was named Britain's Best Park in 2008 and itself regenerated as a result of Heritage Lottery funding."

Work will begin in August and is due for completion within 18 months.