A revamp of Hunstanton Heritage Gardens is set to go-ahead, thanks to a £993,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund.

The West Norfolk Council project will centre on The Green and the adjoining network of public open spaces including The Esplanade Gardens and Cliff Parade.

The main aim will be to preserve and enhance historic features including the refurbishment of the butterfly shelters and planting of a new rose garden next to the Edwardian Pavilion.

Elizabeth Nockolds, the borough council's cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: 'This is superb news for the town.

'The project team has worked hard to put the submission together and couldn't have done it with the help of local people who provided their views through a series of consultation events.

'I am delighted this funding has now been awarded and work can start on improving access and interpretation of some of the seafront's heritage assets, including the ruins of St Edmunds Chapel, the 'look-out' over the iconic striped cliffs, and the butterfly shelters.'

The project will also see new footpaths and more accessible routes constructed to encourage more people into the area.

Council bosses hope that improved interpretation and visibility of the town's assets using historic photographs and themed approaches will persuade visitors to stay longer and learn more about the town and its heritage.

And an extensive engagement and activity plan will help people to explore, understand and appreciate the resort.

The borough council has also committed £280,000 towards the total project costs of £1,325,070, with further support from the Chamber of Trade and Hunstanton Town Council.

Work will now start on preparing technical documents ready for tender and it is hoped that work will start early next year.

The funding for Hunstanton Heritage Gardens comes as part of an announcement of £30.7m for 16 parks across the UK.

HLF's chairman Sir Peter Luff said, on behalf of HLF and Big Lottery Fund: 'It's clear that our parks are important to us in countless ways – from physical and mental wellbeing to a connection with nature and our heritage. It's also clear however that public parks must work in new ways to respond to the funding challenges they face and this investment, thanks to National Lottery players, will help them to do this.'

What other parts of Hunstanton would you like to see given a makeover? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk