WORK has started on the £2million makeover of Rhyddings Park which will look to make the site a ‘vibrant community hub’.

Representatives of the various groups behind the work have kicked off the refurbishment with a special ground-breaking ceremony at the Oswaldtwistle site.

The money will be used to restore the Coach House to make a new community venue, to create a new performance space, provide resources for schools and for growing food.

Members of environmental charity Newground Together, who are part of the Together Housing Group, Hyndburn Council and the Friends of Rhyddings Park group went to the park to mark the work starting.

Peter Jordan, Newground’s communities director, said: “Plans for Rhyddings Park have been in the pipeline for a couple of years now but we’re all delighted to finally start work in earnest.

“The finished park will not only provide a beautiful setting for families to enjoy, but also make Rhyddings Park a vibrant community hub while maintaining its rich history.”

The work is happening after a grant was received from the Heritage Lottery Fund Park for People programme secured by Newground Together and the council.

The money will also be used to develop a programme of family activities such as guided walks, construct Victorian-style greenhouses and establish new volunteer programmes.

Ann Warrington, a member of the Friends of Rhyddings Park group, said: “We are absolutely delighted that after years of hard work from all involved the work to redevelop the park have started.

“We look forward to seeing the park becoming a focal point for the community, a place that is safe to enjoy the outdoors and be creative, to be the venue for performers and events.”

The park’s history dates back to being a private house and gardens belonging to local cotton businessman Robert Watson in the mid 1800s.

The site was then acquired by Oswaldtwistle Urban District Council in the early 20th Century as a recreational facility for people in the town.

Cllr Ken Moss, cabinet member for parks, said: “This has been a culmination of three years hard graft for a lot of people.

“I am really excited to see how the refurbishment transforms the park over the next 12 months."