Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) has started work on a £4.4m scheme to revamp the grounds surrounding South Hill Park Arts Centre, Birch Hill.

Landscape maintenance group Gavin Jones will undertake work on the project, which will include the restoration of the terrace garden and conserving woodland areas. New trees are to be planted and a new entrance created as part of the scheme, which has received a £2.3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.

BFC executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection, Iain McCracken, said: "South Hill Park has long been regarded, quite rightly, as one of the jewels in Bracknell Forest's cultural crown. "The restoration of the parkland is a truly exciting project and I'd like to thank both our officers and partners who have worked so hard towards turning our jointly held aspiration into a reality."

The historic landscape was formerly home to Prime Minister George Canning, who served in office for nearly four months during 1827.