A BANDSTAND-style café and toilets costing about £160,000 are set to open next Easter in Bicester’s Garth Park.

Focus has been placed on making the new builds as sustainable as possible, using lamb’s wool for insulation and a rainwater recycling system.

It is hoped such efforts will help the Launton Road grounds gain coveted Green Flag status.

Bicester Town Council’s policy committee chairman Richard Mould said: “All the councillors are really excited and were unanimously in favour of the café and toilets.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Bicester Town Council and the general public to promote ourselves and one thing we have been unable to achieve is green status for the park.

“We have missed out on a number of occasions as there was nowhere to get refreshments and the toilets were not up to standard. This allows us to go back in. The park has won many awards but we have never been able to get a coveted Green Flag.”

North Oxfordshire-based Zeta Specialist Lighting is providing specially-designed solar panels to power LED lighting, as well as a storage system to power the lights in the evening.

Design plans replicate a traditional bandstand and will imitate the turret on Garth House’s roof.

Bicester Town Council has undertaken multiple public consultations and will now put forward a planning application to Cherwell District Council with an aim to open next Easter if approved.

French bistro Savoir Faire will run the café, selling hot and cold food through the day, with an artisan bakery selling sandwiches and bread.

The council hopes the café can act as a hub for community group activities, such as mother and baby mornings and craft workshops – as well as offering catering to those who marry at Garth Register Office and events held by the town council.

The decision comes weeks after Bicester Town Council was given a £70,000 grant to redevelop the play area.

Mr Mould said: “Residents thought it was a great idea. They will be able to watch their youngsters whilst sitting in the café.”