Plans to build “the world’s first underground park” in New York have taken a major step forward with the city’s Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC) approving the project.

The US$60m (€53.6m, £44.8m) Lowline scheme, designed by James Ramsey of Raad Studio, will see the transformation of an abandoned underground trolley terminal in Manhattan's Lower East Side into a community-oriented public and cultural space.

Solar technology will directly deliver sunlight underground, lighting up the park and activating photosynthesis to create lush year-round gardens.

The one acre space will feature walkways, water features, art work, seating areas and points from which to observe the original architecture of the building. The model is inspired by the city's High Line park and the designers want to create a new international model for adaptive reuse projects.

“The Lowline represents an incredible fusion of technology and public space,” said New York’s deputy mayor Alicia Glen. “For 80 years, this underground space has sat idle. Now we’re putting it to use for the people of the Lower East Side and for all New Yorkers to enjoy.”

NYCEDC president Maria Torres-Springer added: “New York City never stops innovating – that’s what makes us the greatest city in the world. This is the place where visionary ideas get turned into tangible realities.Today we move one step closer to making the Lowline a reality, which will serve as a cultural and educational hub for this vibrant community and pioneer cutting-edge technology."

In order to move forward with the project, the Lowline’s creators are required to reach a fundraising target of US$10m in the next twelve months and present schematic design documents for approval.

Ramsey has previously used Kickstarter to fund elements of the park’s development, including a small test lab which opened in October 2015 to showcase and test the solar technology and experiment with subterranean horticulture.