The project, which includes a new bandstand, visitor centre and café, better drainage, lighting and landscaping, could start in autumn next year.

The changes will also involve honeycomb grass reinforcement for vehicles and underground electric cables to ensure the park will look its best, rain or shine, and prevent events being called off because of bad weather.

The move will mean that events can go-ahead whatever the weather, saving organisers tens of thousands of pounds. Shakespeare in The Park was called of in June and last month Jazz in thee Park was cancelled because of heavy rain.

The news has been welcomed by park-users and event’ organisers.

But there have been call for the council to look at contingency plans allowing the city’s covered markets to be used at short notice if the downpours become too serious. Eddie Curry, head of Preston Council’s parks and open spaces, said the authority had just received the go-ahead to submit a full bid to the National Lottery by April next year.

He said: ”The work will provide the infrastructure needed, such as grass reinforcement, so that vehicles can get onto the grass even when it is wet and not cut it up.

“There will also be plans for a new bandstand which should take away the costly need of adding to the existing structure which we have to do with each event.”

But while event organisers are keen to see the park improved, they still want the option to use a covered venue if all else fails.