IMPROVEMENTS are due to be made to a car park site popular with tourists later this year.

A survey is being undertaken by the Dorset Coast Forum on future improvements at the Norden car park site near Corfe Castle.

The forum successfully bid for £5.6million of government funding earlier this year to deliver the Dorset Coastal Connections – People and Places project. The Norden project is one of 18 to benefit from the funding.

Purbeck District Council owns the site, which is home to Swanage Railway’s Norden Station, Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum, Cylexperience and a car park.

The wooded area is surrounded by walking and cycle paths and is close to Corfe Castle, Dorset Water Park and the Blue Pool.

Consultees are being asked what they think could improve their visit. Options up for debate include improved toilets, a children’s play park, refreshments, car park resurfacing, local attraction information and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Councillor Cherry Brooks, economy and infrastructure portfolio holder for Purbeck District Council, said: “We are looking forward to the improvements at the site. It is centrally located with good links to Swanage and Studland and, with its tranquil surroundings, the improvements aim to enhance the experience of all visitors.

“Investment in the site is a welcome boost for the local economy," she added.

Dorset Coastal Connections comprises 18 co-ordinated projects between Christchurch and Lyme Regis with a goal of connecting people to the coast, connecting coastal communities to each other and connecting the Dorset coast to the ‘wider world’. Enhanced access and public spaces will be created through creative and innovative approaches using arts and technology.

Dorset Coast Forum co-ordinator Bridget Betts said: “All of the projects in our portfolio aim to improve public spaces and facilities for residents and visitors alike. At Norden we’re really keen to hear from all kinds of users to understand how this project can help the site be used best for everyone’s benefit.”

The survey is available online at www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/norden-welcome-hub. Paper questionnaires are also available at the Norden site.