BLUEPRINTS drawn up in a bid to win £2million Lottery funding for improvements to Verulamium Park in St Albans are due to be submitted this week. It is hoped that the proposals will attract a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The outcome of the

BLUEPRINTS drawn up in a bid to win £2million Lottery funding for improvements to Verulamium Park in St Albans are due to be submitted this week.

It is hoped that the proposals will attract a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The outcome of the bid will be announced in September.

The changes were drawn up by the 13-partner Verulamium Heritage Park Steering Group and based on the results of a public consultation in which more than 1,100 questionnaires were completed.

The key aims are to restore and enhance the main features of the park such as the lakes, the Roman heritage and the River Ver and include a new area in the centre of Verulamium for events and installations.

There are also plans to add new children's play facilities and a refreshment kiosk, improved toilets, additional jogging paths, a wildlife visitor centre and a zone for teenagers, including internet access and a climbing wall.

The HLF has already given £50,000 towards the plan and consultation.

The chair of the steering group St Albans District Council leader Robert Donald, is hoping the HLF will back the main project.

He said: "The district council has shown its commitment to achieving the masterplan by putting £250,000 in the budget for 2008 to 2010 as match funding towards phase one. Verulamium Park is one of St Albans District's greatest jewels and our premier open space. The project partners want to make it even better for residents and visitors alike to enjoy as a gateway into our city's history and heritage and fit for the 21st century."

The masterplan is designed to be put in place in phases as funding becomes available.

The first phase of the work will be dependant on the bid with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The planned changes can be viewed at the Central Library in the Maltings or at the district council offices from April 1. Alternatively go to the project's website www.verpark.stalbans.gov.uk