Visitor facilities at one of Dorset's finest coastal beauty spots are set for a major redevelopment, thanks to a £3.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Dorset County Council and its project partners are celebrating after the HLF confirmed it would provide the main share of funding for the £5.5 million project to revitalise Durlston Country Park, near Swanage.

The scheme aims to transform part of the cliff-top park into a world-class visitor attraction and fitting ‘gateway' to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Work is set to start in the summer of 2009, and will see the restoration of Durlston Castle, a range of innovative new displays and the creation of a brand new learning centre and observatory.

Top quality facilities for functions, exhibitions and other special events will also be established, offering a host of economic and social benefits for the local area.

The HLF grant has been matched by a successful fundraising campaign to raise the remaining £2.4 million. Although a significant portion of the money has now been secured, the continued support of local residents and businesses remains crucial for the project's development.

Hilary Cox, Dorset County Council cabinet member for environment, said:

"Being successful with a Heritage Lottery bid of this scale and complexity is a major achievement - the culmination of five years' careful planning and hard work by the Project Team and all of our partners. Lottery funds are very heavily over-subscribed in terms of applications, so this is a national acknowledgement that our scheme is a very special one."

The park, managed by the council's Dorset Countryside service, is one of the gems of the Dorset coast with over a hundred hectares of beautiful coast and countryside. It has an amazing array of some the UK's rarest wildlife, stunning views, spectacular geology, a unique Victorian heritage, a visitor centre and an award-winning café. Its special environment was recognised earlier this month when it was designated a National Nature Reserve by Natural England.

Carole Souter, Chief Executive at HLF, said:

"Dorset's Jurassic Coastline is one of Britain's richest areas for geology and biodiversity. The Heritage Lottery Fund's grant will help protect this dramatic scenery for the enjoyment and appreciation of both present and future generations."

Durlston Project leader and Dorset Countryside head ranger, Hamish Murray, said the new facilities would greatly enhance people's understanding and enjoyment of the park. He explained:

"The restoration of Durlston Castle will repair the fabric of the building and replace inappropriate 20th century additions. Access to and within the building will be greatly improved, and exciting new displays will highlight the ever-changing face of Durlston. The present visitor centre will become a new learning centre for more formal education and family activities."

The ‘match funding' target has been made possible after a huge effort by the Friends of Durlston, the Jurassic Coast Trust and the Project Team. The money has come from a wide range of individual donations and fundraising initiatives, as well as major business partnerships and significant contributions from charitable trusts and foundations.

Hamish added:

"Despite the many successes, it is essential that we continue our fundraising efforts to ensure all the aspects of the Durlston Project are achieved. The local community and businesses have been closely connected with the development of the project, and we will soon be announcing even more opportunities to contribute and get involved." 

Following preparatory activities and tendering for the project, work is set start on site in July 2009, with completion expected by the end of 2010.