A Sunderland park opened a century ago has now closed to the public in order to allow construction work to get underway a £3.3m restoration of the site.

The regeneration of the city's Barnes Park, which first opened in 1909, is scheduled to take 18 months and will include the installation of play spaces for disabled and able-bodied people of all ages. Historic features - including the bandstand, railings and gates - will be restored as part of the scheme, which will see the creation of a sensory garden designed to cater for the needs of visually-impared people and the regeneration of the lake area.

The scheme, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2010, has received £2.4m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund, as well as £600,000 from Sunderland City Council (SCC). A £150,000 contribution from County Durham Environment Trust and a £200,000 investment by the government's Play Pathfinder scheme has also helped to fund the project.

SCC's Paul Watson said: "What's really important for the whole of Sunderland is the accessibility that we are building in to the park. The specially designed sensory garden, play areas and pathways will mean that everyone is able to enjoy the park and support is there too for carers of those with access needs." Ivor Crowther, head of the HLF in the North East, added: "Barnes Park has been open for 100 years and plays a big role in the North East's heritage, with the addition of new facilities such as a new play area and a sensory garden, it can continue to be a haven for locals and visitors alike."