Whitstable Castle Park is in line for a major transformation following a major funding boost.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund 'Parks for People' programme have awarded a £2m grant to the project, which will see the restoration of the town's only public park.

Together with a contribution of nearly £500,000 from Canterbury City Council, the scheme is set to restore the castle and its grounds, as well as enhancing visitor facilities for use by a wider range of local people and visitors.

The castle will close in mid-September to allow the restoration works to take place, and will be closed until April 2010. The grant will enable the remodelling of the Rose Garden and Lower Terrace at the site. The Adams Room will also be replaced, with a new 'Orangery' garden room designed in the spirit of the castle which dates back to the 1790s.

Cllr John Gilbey, leader of Canterbury City Council, said the grant will help make the castle and park become a special place at the heart of the community.

"It will transform the castle and its grounds into an educational and cultural destination for local people and visitors alike," he said.

Once work is completed, a charitable trust made up of local people will take over sole management of the site from a joint partnership between volunteers and the City Council.