An £8 million overhaul of Walsall Arboretum moved a step closer today after lottery bosses agreed to set aside more than £200,000 for the project.

A visitor centre, children’s building, restoration of the bandstand and Grade 2 listed boathouse and new clubhouse for Walsall Ladies Bowling Club will be built at the 22 acre Victorian park.

There would also be improvements to the park boundaries, footpaths, entrances and park benches.

The £220,000 awarded to Walsall Council by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People initiative will help cover the appointment of a project manager who will be responsible for driving forward the bid and putting more details to the plans.

A decision on whether the council has secured the £8 million is expected to be known next year. Any restoration would take place between 2009 and 2012.

Councillor Barry Sanders, “The Arboretum has a rich and varied history and it’s our aim to capture the park’s original Victorian character and restore some of its early features to their former glory. At the same time we want to create an attraction and an atmosphere that captures the verve of a modern day community recreation facility.”