Work has begun on a new Coronation Garden in Hazelbank Park, Newtownabbey.

An event was held to cut the sod on the project, which is being developed by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council with £100,000 support from the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund.

The Mayor Alderman Stephen Ross, recently joined the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim Mr David McCorkell KStJ, Elected Members and renowned garden designer Diarmuid Gavin to mark the milestone.

Commemorating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the Coronation Garden will include a floral tapestry with classical architecture style, planted in a pollinator friendly and sustainable way. An ornate three floor pavilion topped by a crown, this Coronation Garden will treat visitors to a musical performance of dancing topiary and spinning conical trees every fifteen minutes.

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Located in the beautiful setting of Hazelbank Park, just off the M5 at the start of the Causeway Coastal route, this new installation will draw visitors from far and wide.

The Mayor Alderman Stephen Ross said: "The Council is extremely proud to be creating something truly magnificent to mark the momentous occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the first coronation to take place in over 70 years. The Coronation Garden in Hazelbank Park will be a fitting legacy to King Charles III and will attract visitors from near and far. I welcome the funding the Council has received from the UK Levelling-Up Fund which will help support this stunning architectural masterpiece unique to our Borough."

The Coronation Garden will be officially opened on Saturday 06 May as part of the Council's commemorative programme.