Newbury Town Council is preparing a £750,000 lottery bid to update Victoria Park, and is hiring consultants to draw up a detailed scheme.

There is momentum in town hall circles for a linked scheme to put up an art gallery and exhibition space on a corner of the park between the boating pond and A339.

The town council told bidders: “Victoria Park is an important location that does not fulfil its full potential. We aim to restore the park, so that it truly becomes an excellent feature and facility of Newbury.”

Three quarters of townsfolk polled two years ago opposed building on the park, but Newbury Town Council will consult before any work begins.

Consultants have been told not to touch the bandstand, boating pond, bowling green, or tree-lined avenues, but they will be expected to work up details for restoring the brook at the northern end, converting the boating pond into an ice rink, and identifying spots for more sculptures and art projects.

The closing date for tenders is July 9, when the winning bid will help the council put together a bid to Heritage Lottery Fund.