The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £3m to the restoration of the 124-acre Valentines Park in Ilford.

The London Borough of Redbridge is also to provide £800,000 to the project, which will see the restoration of the historic features at the Gants Hill end of the park such as walled gardens, the Longwater and the grottoes.

Paths and railings will also be improved as part of the scheme, which has been devised by the council through consultation with English Heritage and the Valentines Park Conservationists – a group of local community volunteers.

The council, which put in its stage one bid for funding back in October 2001, will this month submit a further bid for lottery funding to restore Valentines Mansion.

Regional manager for the Heritage Lottery Fund in London, said: “Valentines Park is a heritage gem in Ilford and this funding will reinstate historic features so that visitors are more aware of its heritage value, as well as improving leisure facilities.

“The project will have real benefits for the local community, rejuvenating an already popular space for everybody to enjoy.” Details: www.redbridge.gov.uk