Image: Burgess Park offers a range of new features

Southwark Council is to reopen Burgess Park - one of the largest in south London - next month following the completion of a major £8m transformation.

An open day will take place on 21 July to celebrate the relaunch of the 51-acre (21-hectare) park, which has benefited from a series of improvements and additions.

Work has included the provision of a new over-fives playground and a 5k fitness route that incorporates a run, job or walking route around the park, as well as outdoor gym equipment.

Existing sports facilities have been boosted with the addition of seven table tennis tables in Chumleigh Gardens, while there is also now a designated area for barbeques.

Southwark Council cabinet member for the environment Barrie Hargrove said: "We've had the vision and the confidence to redesign this space so that it will have the widest appeal."

Planning permission has also been granted for an international-standard 400m (1,312ft) BMX track, which is due for completion in 2013 and will cater for riders of all ages.

Details: www.southwark.gov.uk