A coastal park is set for a major shake up as part of a council's plan to overhaul the attraction.

Swale council is advertising for a new contractor to take over the 31-hectare site Barton's Point Coastal Park at Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey from October.

The new company or individual will be expected to run the Boat House cafe, boating lake, children's playground, car park and boost seasonal camping.

To coincide with the change, the council will be upgrading the public toilet block by next spring and plans to add showers and connect the system to mains drainage instead of using a cesspit.

The vast area, which runs alongside the banks of the historic Queenborough Lines Napoleonic war defences, also features a picnic area, former pitch and putt course and large events field which is popular with visiting Santus Circus and Smith's funfair.

There is also a model aircraft flying field and the Sheppey Miniature Model Engineering Society runs a model railway track. The park, which is within walking distance of the sea, has also hosted 'invasions' by the Sheppey Pirates.

A council spokesman said: "We believe the site has the potential to be a big tourist and local resident destination with an all-year round offering."

It says it is seeking an "experienced operator" to manage all elements of the site and adds that it would "entertain proposals" to replace the Boat House.

The spokesman added: "The council is keen for the site to attract more visitors to the area all year round but in particular during the summer. Innovative ideas are therefore sought on what additional offering could be created."

The lake is shared with the nearby Sheppey Sea Cadets who are now fundraising to build a state-of-the-art sailing centre to serve the south east of England.

But the council stresses bids must be "sympathetic" to the site's ecology. Families of ducks and swans live around the lake. Queenborough Lines is also a registered ancient monument.

Mandy Shade, who has held the concession since April 2011, did not want to comment.

It is expected the successful applicant will open the buildings all year round. The club house was closed when Kent Online visited the site. It is anticipated the council will continue to provide basic grounds maintenance.

There is potential to use the grass overflow car parks which run alongside the Coast Road. Viewings will take place from next Tuesday.

Expressions of interest, which must include a sustainable business plan for at least three years, should be submitted by noon on Sunday, May 15, to Jay Jenkins here.