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The Orangerie, Heaton park

The award is part of a renovation package to restore the Edwardian park - the biggest of its kind in Europe - to its former glory.

Restoration will include reinstating the original landscape and opening up views from Heaton Hall across the miles of parkland. Neglected buildings such as the Temple, Smithy Lodge and Grand Lodge will also be brought back into use.

The farm centre caf? will be extended and a further refreshments area will be provided at the boating lake. Pet's Corner will be incorporated into the farm centre and a new children's playground will be built.

Manchester City Council's culture and leisure spokesman, councillor Glyn Evans, looked forward to seeing the park with a new lease of life.

He said: "Our long-term strategy has always been to restore Heaton Park to its former splendour to ensure it takes its rightful place alongside other major leisure attractions in the city and beyond.

"Both Manchester residents and visitors from further afield can expect stunning improvements to the park."