An historic park revamp worth £2.5 million is aiming to restore the area to its 1920s design.

Plans to improve The Level were drawn up following consultation with residents, community groups, officers and other agencies.

Brighton and Hove City Council has revealed it has been successful in the first stage of a funding bid to improve the open space off Lewes Road, Brighton.

The local authority has been granted £100,000 of the money to develop its plans and submit a more detailed proposal for the remaining amount.

It will also push ahead with plans to secure “match funding” from other sources to complete the project.

It comes at a time when the council is looking at cuts of at least £45million in the next three years.

Council leader Mary Mears described the funding boost as “excellent news”.