The money from the Funds’ joint Parks for People programme will be used to return the area to its former Victorian glory and ensure that more people visit and enjoy this historic park. The council, which is also contributing £975,000 towards the five-year project, expects work to begin early in 2012.

Worth Park covers eight hectares and consists of formal gardens, recreational parkland and a lake area, which is a site of nature conservation interest. It was originally a medieval deer park and formed part of the Forest of Worth, which stretched from Slaugham in the south to Worth in the north.

The park hides the remnants of a high status late Victorian pleasure garden and landscape, constructed by James Pulham and Son.

Worth Park was also the site of Milton Mount College, which is why the park was formerly known as Milton Mount Gardens.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This has been a long process but it’s a great feeling to finally have this funding from HLF and BIG to be able to restore this lovely park. This is another illustration that Crawley Borough Council is committed to protecting, restoring or enhancing the town’s heritage if possible.

“I’d like to congratulate the council officers, Worth Park Friends, ward councillors and both Lottery distributors for all their work in making this possible.”

Explaining the importance of the HLF/BIG support, Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East said on behalf of the two distributors: “Today’s Lottery support will help give Worth Park a new lease of life by restoring the park’s historic features and vastly improving visitor facilities. These vital restoration works will have real benefits for the local community, rejuvenating this much-loved green space for everyone to spend time in and enjoy.”

Kate Oliver, Chairman from Worth Park Friends, said: “This is brilliant news for everyone connected with the park. I'm delighted that the HLF and BIG have approved our application. The committee and the Friends are looking forward to seeing at last the beginning of the restoration."

For further information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/worthpark