Lottery funding has now been secured to launch the £1.7 million revamp of Faversham recreation ground.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have approved £117,800 in development funding for the park, ahead of a final bid for the rest of the cash to transform the 20-acre site.

The money will go towards improvements to the skate park and play area, refurbishment of the main changing pavilion and toilet block, restoration of a drinking fountain, development of a café and the creation of an outdoor performance space, among other projects.

News that funding has finally become available has been welcomed by both Swale Borough Council and Faversham MP Helen Whately.

Cabinet member for environment and rural affairs Cllr David Simmons, who is also a Faversham town councillor, said this week: “This is wonderful news for the Rec and the town, and shows we’re making excellent progress towards transforming the park into a real destination for people to visit with all the family.

“The Rec is a wonderful asset that has been enjoyed for more than 150 years, and we want to build on the strength of its unique heritage, and create a park that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

“By working with local people to develop the masterplan, we can make sure we are creating a park that they can be proud of, and thanks to this funding, we’re now one step closer to making their vision a reality.”

There will now be further detailed consultations with organisations and residents over the next year.

Once complete and a full calculation has been carried out of the costs for the proposals, a final bid will go forward for the full amount of £1.7 million, which has been provisionally approved by the lottery funds.

The council, which leases the Rec from Faversham Municipal Charities, has already secured £274,000 from developers for improvements to the site, which was used to match-fund the bid to the lottery funds.

Mrs Whately says she is delighted to hear the money has been secured and congratulated the council.

She added: “Ever since I became MP for Faversham and Mid Kent I have been badgering councillors and council officers about the state of the Rec. I use the playground with my own children, but it is dilapidated and out of date.

“Faversham Rec should be a destination for everyone living in Faversham, and I’m looking forward to it fulfilling its potential thanks to this new investment.

“We need to be a healthier community and for most people that means taking more exercise. The revamped Rec should make that easier and more fun with something for all age groups, including better facilities for older kids and teens.

“People have been complaining to me for a while that the Rec was attracting anti-social behaviour, and I’ve been pushing Swale Borough Council and the police to get on top of this.

“It has improved, but I’m hopeful the upgrade will include design features to reduce the hidden corners which attract trouble.”