Being successful with a Heritage Lottery bid of this scale and complexity is a major achievement, and the culmination of four years careful planning and hard work.

After a huge effort by Friends of Durlston the Jurassic Coast trust and the project team, the £2.4m 'match–funding' target is also looking attainable. This funding has come from a wide range of individual donations and fundraising initiatives as well as major business partnerships and significant contributions from charitable trusts and foundations. Despite the many successes, it is essential that we continue our fundraising efforts to ensure all the aspects of the Durlston Project are achieved.

A key element of the Project is the restoration of Durlston Castle - repairing the fabric of the building and replacing inappropriate 20th Century additions. Access to and within the building will be greatly enhanced and exciting new displays will highlight the ever-changing face of Durlston.

The present Park Centre will become a new learning centre for more formal education and family activities. This work will ensure that Durlston provides a world class facility for visitors to the Jurassic Coast and the newly designated Durlston National Nature Reserve.

New, high quality catering and retail facilities will also be developed, with greater opportunities for functions, special events and temporary exhibitions. Durlston's importance as a major tourism asset will grow, with economic and social benefits for the local area and wider region.

There is still a large amount of preparatory work to finalise, including detailed technical design, contract tendering a wide range of project management requirements.

Completion is expected by the end of 2010.

• Durlston Project Background

  Durlston Castle was built between 1887 and 1891 as the centrepiece of George Burt's Durlston estate. Dorset Countryside and its partners now have the opportunity to develop the Castle as an integral part of the Park and establish a world class 'Gateway Centre' for visitors to Durlston and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (WHS).

• Durlston Project Update

  Keep up to date with the latest news from the Durlston Project.

• Durlston Castle Project Manager
  Name: Martin Cooke
  Email: durlstoncastle@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 07809 443733
  Full details for Martin Cooke
• Name: Durlston Country Park
  Email: durlston@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01929 424443
  Fax: 01929 424443
  Full details for Durlston Country Park