Express & Star

New images show for the first time how a visitor centre at the heart of a lottery bid to bring Walsall Arboretum into the 21st century could look.

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The plans, which feature an outdoor barbecue area for visiting families, form part of an £8 million overhaul earmarked for the borough’s premier park - although they are dependent on lottery funding being secured.

Walsall leisure bosses have applied for a £4.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to cover the costs of the new building and various other improvements planned at the 22 acre site. No individual cost has been revealed for the visitor centre itself.

The plans moved a step closer following yesterday’s announcement that the authority has been invited by lottery bosses to prepare a more detailed bid. A final decision on whether the project has won their support is expected next autumn.

The visitor centre will be at the heart of the complex on the centre green. It will incorporate the existing brick built park ranger’s office, which is described as a historic building, while new buildings constructed out of wood and other materials will be added on to create a large building with numerous facilities.

There is currently no visitor centre at the site and bosses believe it will help bring the park into the 21st century and make it a more attractive place for families to visit.

Features will include an information point and display area in the entrance, cafe, meeting rooms, classroom for school visits, changing rooms, a boat storage area, toilet and baby changing facilities and staff accommodation. Outside seating and a barbecue area is also included.

Other aspects of the project, which would be match funded by the authority and other organisations bringing the total outlay to around £8 million includes restoring existing buildings, extra furniture such as seats and litter bins, and a new children’s play area.

Councillor Louise Harrison, leisure cabinet member, said: “Obviously we’re delighted that our bid has been approved and can take our plans several steps forward.”