CONSTRUCTION work has begun on new facilities at a Hampshire park.

The nearly £235,000 revamp of Itchen Valley Country Park is now underway.

A new café and indoor play area are being created at the site and are expected to be completed in time for this summer.

As previously reported, this comes after civic chiefs in Eastleigh agreed that the facilities at the park were old and a revamp was needed to keep up with other country parks in the area.

Now a new café will be created in the main part of High Wood Barn visitor centre, where shops and displays currently are and will accommodate as many as 40 people.

It will also have a woodland-themed indoor play area for children and once the new kitchen and servery will be in place and the new play area and furniture installed, the café will offer a varied menu with healthy options.

The news has been welcomed by the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee (HEWEB) which had previously approved the plans.

HEWEB chair, councillor Dan Clarke, said: “Itchen Valley Country Park is a real jewel in the crown of the borough’s green spaces and is understandably very popular. We are delighted to bring a new and enhanced cafe to the Highwood Barn, and the new play area will make it an all-weather destination for our growing visitor numbers. We were happy to make this investment to enhance the experience of everyone who uses the park.”

As part of the scheme a larger play equipment could be installed on High Hill Field or on the field next to the café.

Future plans also include the refurbishment of the existing toilets and new windows and doors in the visitor centre.

While work takes place, a temporary café will be serving from the Kingfisher Barn next door.

It will be open daily from March 30 from 10am to 5pm. Picnic benches will be available on the patio and grass areas. The rest of the park’s outdoor facilities will continue to be accessible.