DURLSTON Project organisers are one step closer to receiving £3.1m in Lottery funding needed to transform the castle into a "world-class" facility.

Designs for the grade-two listed building, including a new gallery space and improved access for disabled visitors have been developed in detail by the architects and project team as part of the application for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

An education plan has been drawn up, focussing on the potential of the new Learning Centre, and designs for a new observatory are being developed with the Wessex Astronomical Society.

It is hoped funding will allow the castle to be transformed into "an inspirational, world-class facility for visitors to Durlston and the Jurassic Coast".

A spokesman said organisers are "cautiously optimistic" of success as recent meetings have high-lighted the good progress made during the development stage.

HLF officers and trustees give their enthusiastic backing for what they consider to be an "excellent project", and will make a decision within the next six months.

The funds were earmarked for the project after a successful stage one bid to the HLF.

Planning permission and listed building consent have been granted, and if the bid is successful work will start late 2008, with the castle opening 12 months later.

The Durlston Appeal has raised a considerable amount of money from fundraising activities led by Friends of Durlston, but another £1m needs to be raised in matched funding to ensure a successful future for the castle.

For more details or to donate to the fund, contact the Jurassic Coast Trust on 01305 or visit www.jurassiccoast.trust.org.