Work on the first phase of the £5.5m redevelopment of Durlston Country Park in Dorset is to get underway this summer with the restoration of the Great Globe and other stone inscriptions.

Stone conservation specialists Sue and Lawrence Kelland have been appointed to repair and repaint the 40-ton globe, which was first erected during the late 19th century by the owner of the Durlston Estate, George Burt. The next phase of work, which is scheduled to get underway in early 2010, will include the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Durlston Castle in order to provide a new visitor facility for both the country park and the Jurassic Coast.

Project leader Hamish Murray said: "After more than five years of preparation, it's great to see the project getting underway on the ground. By Easter 2011, the work will be complete, and Durlston will be able to provide our visitors with new experiences, opportunities for learning and better access." In July last year, the project received a £3.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the remaining £2.4m raised through individual donations and fundraising drives.