CASTLE Park is set to welcome a mini golf paradise.

Colchester Council is in final discussions with Putt in the Park to convert the upper bowling green, close to historic Duncan's Gate on the eastern side of the town centre beauty spot.

Bosses say the new attraction will be "in keeping with its historic surroundings" and the holes around the course will be named after key figures in Colchester's history.

Gazette:

There will also be a small kiosk selling sandwiches and drinks.

Justin Fish, director of Putt in the Park, said: “We are delighted to be in final discussions with Colchester Council following a successful expression of interest to build our first course outside London in the Historic Castle Park.

Gazette: putt in the park coming to castle park this pic from wandsworth park

How the Putt in the Park in Wandsworth Park looks 

“The redundant upper Bowls Green will be turned into a beautifully designed mini golf course, which will appeal to all age groups and be a wonderful addition to the facilities in the Park."

Work will start over this winter with a planned opening date in spring 2019.

The green, along with its counterpart in the lower side of the park, closed last year and Colchester Council asked for expressions of interest for both sites.

Putt in the Park already has mini golf greens in the Grade II-listed Wandsworth and Battersea parks, in London (both pictured).

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for business and culture, said: “I am delighted that Putt in the Park are the new leaseholders of the upper Bowling Green, which lies in the stunning surroundings of one of Colchester's most well-loved parks.

“The new putting course suits the historic nature of Castle Park and will provide visitors and Colcestrians with even more to do in our green oasis, already a beautiful place to sit, walk, enjoy music, play and picnic."

A final design on the putting green must still be approved by Historic England and the Colchester Council planners.