Work on £3.5 million restoration of Ipswich’s historic Holywells Park has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of the orangery that is being returned to its former glory.

The park orangery was part of Holywells Mansion which was demolished in the 1960s – and it is being brought back into use alongside the former stable block which is being converted into a visitor centre for the park.

The restoration is largely being funded by a £2.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is due to be completed during 2015.

The orangery has been covered in corrugated iron for many years, but this has now been removed as restoration work continues – although it has not yet been handed back to the park authorities by the contractors.

Ipswich council wanted to regenerate one of the town’s hidden gems and conserve and enhance the park’s unique heritage as well as provide more attractions for visitors.

The HLF grant has been supplemented by funding from the Friends of Holywells Park and the council itself.

Among the improvements made possible by the grant are:

The visitor centre which is due to open in the spring,

The restoration of the orangery which will become an exhibition space linked to the visitor centre.

An open-air theatre space,

Better access and new toilets.

The stable block visitor centre will include a reception, café and education and function space.

The orangery will be used for exhibitions, talks, meetings, and functions.

The existing walled garden will be upgraded with a performance area that will be used for small scale theatre, dance, school and community groups.

A new toilet facility and kiosk will be provided adjacent to the play area. This will assist parents with young children that currently have to take them up to the Stable Block toilets.

Security at the park will be improved with the installation of CCTV cameras, and there will also be new seats and panels telling visitors about the history and the nature to be found in the park.

Bryony Rudkin, leisure portfolio-holder, said: “This fantastic project will open up the park to people from all over the town and county.

“Holywells has always been a hidden gem but with first-rate visitor facilities, better toilets, an outdoor theatre space and, of course, the restored orangery, it will become a visitor attraction in its own right.”