Ambitious plans to enhance a green space in Mansfield to create a destination park can now proceed.

Mansfield District Council planning committee gave the go-ahead to discuss the Berry Hill Park scheme proposals, which will see new and improved accessible footpaths, two new play areas, and a new building with a multi-functional space, café, and toilets.

Funding for the £3.23m park works was made possible thanks to an allocation of £2.994m from the government’s Towns Fund. The shortfall will come from the authority’s existing capital budget for Berry Hill Park.

The works form part of a wider masterplan developed for the park, which will guide further potential investment should funding become available.

It is anticipated that work can commence in April and be completed and open to the public by spring 2025.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said the go-ahead was an important milestone in transforming an iconic green space.

He said: “I am thrilled that we have reached this key moment in bringing forward much-needed improvements to Berry Hill Park, for everyone to use and benefit from.

“This funding is the biggest one-off investment any of our parks has seen, and we cannot wait to get the ball rolling.

These new, high-quality facilities will not only help improve the health and wellbeing of visitors and residents to the park, but attract people from across the district and further afield to revisit time and time.

“We listened carefully to the views offered through our extensive consultation, balancing the important heritage of the park with the opportunity to hold new events and encourage greater accessibility.

“It is encouraging that we already had some brilliant events hosted in Berry Hill Park last year, including the King’s Coronation Celebration, a car show, and many Mansfield Harriers athletic events.

“The upgrades across the park, it will enhance the offering and make the green space a must-visit place in Mansfield.

“A destination park aims to offer an experience that goes above and beyond what an average park would offer. It is hoped that these new facilities and changes will draw in more visitors to the district, which would boost the local economy.”