A park will be restored to its “former Victorian glory” after a £2.42 million Lottery grant.

Crawley Borough Council said the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund will pay for a five-year restoration project for Worth Park in Pound Hill.

The council, which is also contributing £975,000 towards the project, said work is expected to begin early next year.

The eight hectare park consists of formal gardens, recreational parkland and a lake.

It was originally a medieval deer park and also hides the remnants of a late Victorian pleasure garden and landscape, constructed by James Pulham and Son.

Councillor Lenny Walker, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “This has been a long process but it's a great feeling to finally have this funding from HLF and BIG to be able to restore this lovely park. This is another illustration that Crawley Borough Council is committed to protecting, restoring or enhancing the town's heritage if possible.”

Stuart McLeod, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, said: “(The) Lottery support will help give Worth Park a new lease of life by restoring the park's historic features and vastly improving visitor facilities. These vital restoration works will have real benefits for the local community, rejuvenating this much-loved green space for everyone to spend time in and enjoy.”

Kate Oliver, chair of Worth Park Friends, said: “This is brilliant news for everyone connected with the park. The committee and the Friends are looking forward to seeing at last the beginning of the restoration."