Blossom trees will grow on the site of an old bandstand in GWR Park.

A large crowd gathered at the historic public space off Faringdon Road for the official opening of new gardens that South Swindon Parish Council, the National Trust, and Historic England have arranged.

Parish council chair Chris Watts said: "Since the parish council has been in existence, we have had a vision to take on Swindon's heritage parks and invest in them to bring them back to past glories.

"I am delighted to say that the improvements we see today are the start of the journey to return GWR Park as a destination heritage park in Swindon and beyond."

Vice chair Coun Janine Howarth added: "This park is being used more and more because people can see how well it's being cared for now.

"We are passionate about protecting Swindon's heritage and hope to maintain and grow this park over the years."

The Heritage Action Zone scheme aims to revitalise the Railway Village area of Swindon by bringing neglected listed buildings back into use and making the most of the site's rich history.

Within days of the blossom circle opening, the Mechanics' Institution Trust celebrated receiving a £250,000 government grant to spruce up the Cricketers' Arms and Swindon Borough Council announced that urgent repair work will be carried out on the Mechanics Institute.

Heritage Action Zone project officer Karen Phimister said: "It's exciting to be at the delivery stage of these projects, what a momentous day, everything is finally happening."

The National Trust supported the GWR Park project as part of its Helping Communities Blossom programme, which aims to make the pink-flowered trees a more common sight.

Director Hillary McGrady said: "The idea of drawing people's attention to the beauty of blossom and making that connection to nature has blossomed into something huge.

"I run around this park on a regular basis and commend the parish and borough councils because I've really seen it progress.

"I believe that if we work collectively, we can really bring back the parts of Swindon's heritage that make Swindon distinct and a wonderful place to work and live."

Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson said: "This park was built for people working in the railway works now inhabited by us and others, so it seems appropriate to treasure it and create new things of interest in it."

A Swindon Blossom Festival will be held from April 5 to May 1.