Great news to hear that Durlston’s proposed £5.5 million redevelopment of its visitor facilities has been given the go-ahead thanks to confirmation of a £3.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The scheme includes the restoration of Durlston Castle and a new learning centre and observatory with the aim of enhancing visitors enjoyment of the park and making it a first class gateway to the Jurassic Coast.

Durlston was recently designated a National Nature Reserve by Natural England and the Heritage Lottery Fund was able to confirm the grant now that match funding has been secured by Friends of Durlston, the Jurassic Coast Trust and the Project Team.

Work is due to start in July 2009 with completion by the end of 2010.