COUNCIL chiefs are working to finalise designs for a new look lodge in a Carlisle park.

Bitts Park Lodge, was flooded in 2015 and the council now wants to renovate it to include a cafe, toilets, changing area, office and decked seating area.

The refurbishment of the lodge is on the council’s agenda for next year.

A city council spokeswoman said: “We are continuing work to finalise designs for the new facility and hope that the facility will be open during 2019.”

The single storey pavilion, which was used as a changing area for the nearby park and facilities, has been closed since it was severely damaged in the floods. It will be demolished as part of the development of the site.

Bitts Park Lodge, built in the 1930s, suffered less damage.

The building has previously been used as a house but after its basement flooded, it was closed and boarded up.

The city council has previously struggled to find a use for the lodge but was keen to retain it.

However, it is said to be unsuitable for residential occupation.

The council also has plans to redevelop the tennis courts, including the installation of a proposed new tennis canopy.

An outdoor fitness area opened in the park in May.

Exercise equipment - including kettle bells, a cross trainer, fitness bike, steps and pull up station - has been installed on the former bowling green in Bitts Park.

The £72,000 fitness and landscaping project is part of a series of planned improvements the recreational site.

The design for the outdoor gym took into account flood resilience and ease of maintenance.

Kompan Scotland Ltd has installed the fitness equipment on the council’s behalf.

The project was funded by the council, flood insurance money and a grant from Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust.