Southwark Council has announced that work has officially started on a multi-million pound overhaul of Burgess Park, which has received £4m from London mayor Boris Johnson.

Match funding worth £4m has also been secured through the Creation Trust - formerly the Aylesbury NDC - towards the scheme, which will include a larger lake and new play area. Due for completion in spring 2012, the redevelopment will also comprise new entrances; a series of additional wildlife habitats; and newly-landscaped open spaces.

Council cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling Barrie Hargrove said: "Next spring we'll be able to unveil an enormously improved park, one that we'll continue to improve once these works are complete." Kulveer Ranger, the mayor's director of environment, added: "This major regeneration will transform the park into a cleaner, greener and safer community space for generations to come."

Image: Noel Foster