A MULTI-MILLION-POUND project to restore a historic Huddersfield park to its former glory has begun.

The dilapidated glasshouses at the bottom of Greenhead Park near Trinity Street have been demolished in the first step of the £5.4m restoration of the Victorian park, which was first opened in 1884.

They will be replaced by a restaurant and coffee shop.

The glasshouses were once a hive of activity, growing all the seasonal bedding plants for the park, but have recently become a target for vandals.

Their removal allows for the area to be made safe and redeveloped next year.

Dewsbury-based company Hutchinson Demolition used large machinery to demolish the neglected glasshouses and the toilet block, which is located near the park’s paddling pool.

The site is now in the process of being generally tidied up and the toilet area is to be landscaped.

When the restoration project is complete there will be public toilets available in other buildings in the park.

The multi-million pound initiative, which is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Kirklees Council, is set to get fully underway early next year.

Work will start on building the restaurant and coffee shop on the site of the glasshouses.

This will be open in time for the grand opening of the fully restored park in 2010.

The Grade II listed conservatory will eventually be fully restored to its former glory, providing space for exhibitions and small events and will be linked to the new restaurant behind.

The restoration project will also include the creation of a new lake, boundary railings and repairs to all the footpaths and steps.

The buildings, fountains and features around the park will also be restored and there will be a new play area, improvements to the tennis courts and events area.

Clr Elizabeth Smaje, Cabinet member for leisure and neighbourhood services, said: “After many years of waiting, the demolition of these glasshouses signals the start of this exciting time in Greenhead Park.

“I hope that the thousands of visitors to the park will help make this project a great success.”