Christmas has come early for one of Dorset's top countryside attractions, with a £3.2 million grant set to transform the site into a world-class visitor facility. 

Trustees of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) have earmarked the money for Durlston Country Park, near Swanage, to support its development as the eastern entry point to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. 

Dorset County Council will use the grant to renovate and restore Durlston Castle to its original Victorian glory as the centrepiece of the park - and fund a range of enhancements showcasing the clifftop site's unique natural and historical qualities. 

More hard work lies ahead over the next year to obtain the necessary planning permissions, second stage approvals and additional match-funding for the £5.8 million project. But, if successful, the refurbished castle and accompanying interpretation, education and tourism facilities could be in place by the end of 2009. 

Hilary Cox, county council cabinet member and trustee of the Jurassic Coast Trust said:

"This is wonderful news, a culmination of over three years' hard work by county council officers, the local community and our partners. In 2007, we will all be working hard to progress the project and secure the remaining match- funding required.  

"We now have a fabulous opportunity to create a truly inspirational attraction for both local residents and visitors"

"The national and international profile of the Jurassic Coast is growing all the time. We now have a fabulous opportunity to create a truly inspirational attraction for both local residents and visitors, which will increase people's enjoyment, awareness and understanding of the natural world. And it perfectly matches the vision of George Burt, the original owner of the Park, who wanted people to ‘look round and read great nature's open book'."

The Castle, completed in 1891, was intended as the crowning glory of the Park by George Burt, but has fallen into disrepair and much of it is no longer open to the public. 

Under the new proposals it would become the focal point for visitors to the Park, hosting new interpretation, café and function room facilities.  And the existing Visitor Centre would be converted into a learning centre, providing dedicated education space which could also be used for family activities, courses and training.

And as well as reviving some of the site's Victorian splendour, the improvements would create the perfect venue for a host of special events and activities, ranging from art exhibitions and nature walks to open-air theatre.

The Durlston World Heritage Project began in 2003 when the county council acquired the  lease to the Castle, thanks to funding from the South West of England Regional Development Agency. Since then a huge amount of background research, planning, development and fundraising work has been carried out, leading to the successful first stage HLF bid.

While £190,000 of the HLF grant will be awarded soon to fund more development work, the council now has prepare a more detailed, second stage bid to secure the remainder of the cash by the end of 2007.

As well as the HLF the project has already received support from many local people and organisations. And over the next year, there will be more opportunities for businesses and individuals to become involved.

Hamish Murray, head ranger for Dorset Countryside and project leader said:

"We have brought together an excellent team of staff, consultants and representatives of Friends of Durlston to help make our exciting vision for Durlston a reality. Of course this is only the start, and we look forward to Stage 2 when the 'real work' begins."

(Photo of Durlston on home page credit: Edward Parker)