WORK is set to begin on a major new redevelopment of Priory Park's play area.

The council has put up £500,000 for the work, which will see the facilities transformed into a more modern play area.

Starting from next Monday (November 15) the work is scheduled to last until March 2022.

The play area will include natural boulders, hobbit holes, a hollow tree trunk, rope bridge, basket swing and a giant dragonfly.

Cllr Peter Whatley, portfolio holder for resources from Malvern Hills District Council, said: "I’m delighted to announce that the long-awaited revamp of the play area is starting.

"The design from our expert advisors Flights of Fantasy is striking and will form a sanctuary for children to explore and interact in a natural environment.

"It will also materially contribute to the beauty of our wonderful park.

"We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it."

The council is working with Avery Landscapes Ltd for the project, which will include sustainable timber, planting and materials to give the park a more rustic feel.

It also said care has been taken to ensure no damage will occur to the existing tree routes in that side of the park.

As a result of the work, the pathways surrounding the play area will be closed off.

Signs will be put in place to redirect people around the park.

The play area replacement is part of the wider improvement plan for Priory Park which includes refurbishment to the shelters, desilting the upper pond and more.

The proposed revamp has been in the works for a number of years, with plans being published in 2016 and 2019.

In the most recent plan, the council approved £500,000 plans to revamp the site.

At the time, councillors said improving the play area was one of the council’s commitments in its Five Year Plan.

In 2016 more than 440 people responded to a public consultation on the future of the play area with a third rating it as poor to very poor and two thirds branding it too small.