WORK to transform the play area in a Malvern park is now underway.

Fences have been put up around the children's area of Priory Park, with workmen beginning to prepare the site for its £500,000 makeover.

The project has been a long time in the making, with several years of discussions into updating it.

A consultation as far back as 2016 revealed the need for a more modern and more inspiring play area was needed.

Work on-site began on November 15 and, if all goes to plan, the district council says it should be finished by March 2022.

When completed, the play area will include natural boulders, hobbit holes, a hollow tree trunk, rope bridge, basket swing and a giant dragonfly.

The council is working with Avery Landscapes Ltd for the project, which will include sustainable timber, planting and materials to give the park a more rustic feel.

It also said care has been taken to ensure no damage will occur to the existing tree routes in that side of the park.

As a result of the work, the pathways surrounding the play area will be closed off for the immediate future.

Signs will be put in place to redirect people around the park.

Speaking ahead of the work beginning, Cllr Peter Whatley, portfolio holder for resources from Malvern Hills District Council, said: "I’m delighted to announce that the long-awaited revamp of the play area is starting.

"The design from our expert advisors Flights of Fantasy is striking and will form a sanctuary for children to explore and interact in a natural environment.

"It will also materially contribute to the beauty of our wonderful park.

"We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it."

The play area replacement is part of the wider improvement plan for Priory Park which includes refurbishment to the shelters, desilting the upper pond and more.

The proposed revamp has been in the works for a number of years, with plans being published in 2016 and 2019.

In 2016 more than 440 people responded to a public consultation on the future of the play area with a third rating it as poor to very poor and two thirds branding it too small.