Dorset-based contractor Greendale Construction has started work on a £5.5m scheme to restore a historic Grade II-listed castle near Swanage.

Durlston Castle, situated at the heart of Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, is set to be returned to full public use as a new visitor centre.

The castle, which is due to reopen in summer 2011, will provide a new eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, as well as visitor services for the 280-acre (113-hectare) country park.

London-based architects Long and Kentish are behind designs for the restored castle, which will incorporate exhibitions and displays; a gift shop and catering facilities.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has provided £3.1m towards the project, while the Friends of Durlston, Dorset County Council (DCC) and the South West Regional Development Agency have also contributed.

DCC countryside ranger service manager Hamish Murray said: "The newly restored castle will be a great asset to the whole area and we look forward to a successful opening in 2011."

Greendale Construction director Robert Hooker added: "The Durlston Project is an interesting challenge involving both traditional and modern construction processes."

Image: Roy Eggleston