The River Wandle is set to flow through one of Croydon’s oldest parks for the first time in 40 years thanks to a £2m makeover.

Wandle Park’s Victorian bandstand, water fountain and boating lake will be restored thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund as part of the Parks for People scheme.

One of the scheme’s priorities is to unearth the river for the first time since 1967 and restore its nineteenth century route through the park.

The 1950s pavilion will also be upgraded to house a cafe and education space, while a new skate park will be created along with an entrance from the nearby tramway.

Julie Honey, from the Friends of Wandle Park, was instrumental in securing funds from the Mayor.

She said: “This is super news.

“We can’t wait to see the River Wandle for the first time in Croydon for 40 years and see people enjoying all the new and restored facilities of the park.”

Councillor Sara Bashford, Croydon’s cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture and Sport, said the makeover would be a major contribution towards the council’s regeneration ambitions for the town centre.

She said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this result.

“Wandle Park will be transformed into an idyllic green and blue destination, just minutes from the bustle of Croydon’s town centre, with a great range of attractions for local people to enjoy.”

Dave Webb, biodiversity team leader at the Environment Agency, said: “This project restores the river for both the wildlife and people, and is a shining example of how to improve a local park while also managing flood risk and creating a healthy river.”

Croydon Council is also contributing more than £1m in capital and running costs to the park, while another £400,000 has been contributed to the project through the Mayor of London’s Help a London Park scheme.

The refurbishment works in the 8.5 hectare park are expected to be completed in 2012.