THE £1.1million makeover of Dudley Coronation Gardens is almost complete.

The gardens, opposite Dudley Council House in Priory Road, is being given a new lease of life thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

As part of the regeneration scheme, the Apollo Fountain has been restored, new lighting, paths, trees and seating have been installed, the steps have been improved and an amphitheatre space has been created.

Alan Lunt, Dudley Council's strategic director for place directorate, said: “We will be working on restoring water flow to the fountain over the coming months and once the grass in the amphitheatre has matured, this area too will be open to the public and we hope will be in use by community groups and student performances in the autumn.”