A popular play area and skate park are set to close next week for the start of a multimillion pound improvement scheme.

The attractions at Mote Park, Maidstone are due to close this Monday and the following Tuesday (August 28).

The closures are set to last eight weeks for the first leg of a £4.3 million makeover to take place gradually over the next three years.

The project was set to begin in February but was delayed due to snow and then a ruptured sewage pipe.

This first wave of improvements, worth £1.85 million, include a new adventure zone, offering a high ropes course, adventure golf course, a new play area, and a refurbished skate park.

The second phase, due for completion next year, will see the construction of visitor centre with a space for venue hire, a new café, toilets including baby changing facilities, and an estate services building all costing £2 million.

A third phase will involve improvements to footpaths, road repairs, and resurfacing costing £375,000.