The clock will be turned back 20 years at the new-look Lister Park next month when boats sail again on the Victorian lake.

One of the park's most popular attractions is being brought back, following pressure from the public.

The first phase of a multi-million pound improvement scheme at the park is complete - and the boats, together with an impressive new pavilion, will be launched on April 18.

The pavilion, which stands on the site of the old boat house, contains a ticket kiosk for boat hire, refreshment area, boat workshop, toilets and a small exhibition area.

Bradford Council's executive committee will be asked next week to approve the opening hours for the pavilion and hire charges.

Officers recommend that the pavilion should open for boat hire each day at noon and close at various times in the evening, depending on the time of year.

The proposal is to close at 7pm in April, May and August, 8pm in June and July, 6pm in September and 5pm in October.

But the hours would be monitored throughout the season and adjusted according to demand. The proposed charges per half hour are: rowing boats - £3 for one/two people, or £2 for Passport to Leisure card holders, plus 50p per additional person; pedal boats - £2.50 for one/two people or £1.50 for Passport to Leisure, plus 50p per additional person.

The recreation division, which will be responsible for the boats, estimates the service will break even, with an income of £17,000 to pay for staff, running costs and repairs.

The £1.3 million second phase of the scheme, which has now begun, includes the restoration of the bandstand, a major facelift for the children's play area, conversion of the former tennis courts into a floodlit, multi-use games area and the creation of a Mughal water garden next to the formal gardens at Cartwright Hall.

The scheme is being funded through a £3.2 million Heritage Lottery award and additional money from the public and private sector.

Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "The boats will be a great addition to Lister Park.

"I'm sure everyone will be glad to see them back, because when we carried out the original consultation on plans for the park so many people told us about the fond memories they had of rowing round the lake.

"The one thing which everyone wanted to see improved was the lake and its surroundings, and that is why we included this in the first phase of the work."

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