Banbridge District Council is to commit £500,000 towards a £2m upgrade of Solitude Park in Banbridge, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

The council has commissioned Belfast-based consultants Ferguson McIlveen to prepare an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme.

Mike Reith, director of leisure services at the council, said: “The overall aim of the scheme is to transform the existing rundown park from one which attracts mainly anti-social behaviour into a real town park owned and enjoyed by the whole community and accessible to all.”

The main elements of the refurbishment include an events space and arena, a new lighting scheme, an upgrade and construction of new paths, a sitting area and a garden of “high horticultural interest”.

If the application is successful, then contractors could be on site within a year. Details: www.banbridge.com