The finishing touches are being made to a �190,000 facelift for a city centre park, with one of two new play areas due to open within the next two weeks.

Norwich City Council had money to improve Chapelfield Gardens because of contributions from developers who have built housing in the city.

In 2010 the city council held a series of consultation events on how the park could be improved and many said there needed to be more for older children and teenagers to do.

The toddler and juniors' play area closed in November, so work could be carried out to replace ageing equipment,

The revamp has also seen a new activity area for older children created between Pedro's and the park's kiosk.

The play area for younger children has been made bigger. with new equipment including a nest swing, a climbing module, plus a new train and see-saw.

A boardwalk has been installed around that park, while the park for the older children includes equipment known as a comet, which combines climbing with somewhere for teenagers and older children to sit.

n �18,000 project to repair the bandstand in the park is also underway. The work includes improving drainage, new lighting and other timber repairs.

Deborah Gihawi, cabinet member for parks and open spaces, said: 'Chapelfield Gardens is a wonderful place in the heart of Norwich, rich in history and enjoyed by so many people for the variety of activities they're home to.

'As well as providing excellent play opportunities for people of all ages, it is also the perfect venue for an array of events ranging from the Lord Mayor's celebration to the Norfolk and Norwich festival; or even just a place to escape to, from a busy day at work, with a sandwich.

'We are confident that by working with local people to get a good understanding of improvements they would like us to make, we have enhanced the gardens even further so they can continue to be enjoyed for many more years to come.'

Work on the parks is set to be completed by March, but the park for younger children is due to re-open again in the next two weeks.

Since it first opened to the public in 1880, Chapelfield Gardens has become a popular meeting place for thousands of people across Norwich and beyond.

The gardens are also a popular venue, particularly in the summer, when there are events including bandstand concerts, and regular funfairs.

• Are you impressed by what you have seen of the new-look parks? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk