IMPROVEMENT plans have been unveiled for Hawick’s Wilton Park.

An application has now been submitted for the demolition of the current cafe and toilets at the 107-acre park.

And they will be replaced by a new facility with connecting bridge across the Teviot.

Several trees around the current cafe will be removed and a hedged-off crazy golf area will be developed into a new play area for children.

A spokesman for architects Simpson and Brown said: “The establishment of a project of this nature would address key points in the Wilton Park Conservatuion Management Plan, most notably the upgrading of the cafe facilities and provision of an outdoor seating area overlooking the river.

“The development of the site would also act as a catalyst on a park wide scale, such as the opening up of riverside views and the establishment of greater accessibility.” Hawick Town Council bought the Wilton estate in 1890 and developed the area with a bandstand, fountain, bridge and new planting schemes.

The estate’s walled garden was moved and through time two war memorials were introduced as well as sporting and leisure facilities such as tennis courts and bowling green.

The former Lodge was also turned into a museum.

The current cafe, which incorporates features from a previous 1930s shelter, was opened in the early 1980s. But in recent years it has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The planned replacement will be made from larch and Douglas fir and feature large glazed areas as well as a floating outdoor deck.

The full planning application will be considered by Scottish Borders Council over the coming months.