A GWENT landmark could close for two years as £5.6 million restoration work is carried out.

If councillors agree at an executive committee meeting tomorrow, Bedwellty House and Park, in Tredegar, will be closed to the public from spring 2009 to spring 2011.

The Victorian house and gardens is set to be returned to its former glory thanks to a multi-million pound restoration project headed by Blaenau Gwent council with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the Heads of the Valleys Programme.

All funding for the project is now in place and work on the building is due to start in the spring and is expected to take around two years to complete.

The restoration will take place in two phases and will turn the site into a heritage centre and major tourist attraction for the Valleys.

Phase one will see the historic restoration of the house, park features, buildings and landscape take place and the introduction of additional park lighting.

Phase two will see the upgrade of the recreational side of the park including sports facilities such as a new bowls pavilion, upgraded tennis court and outdoor events area.

New facilities at the house will include a cafe, bar, exhibition, kitchen, reception area and disabled parking.

Once completed Bedwellty House will be available for weddings, exhibitions and events, as well as continuing to be the home of Tredegar Town Council, which will be moved to nearby Tredegar Library during the restoration.

In a report to the council's executive committee, council officers recommend councillors approve the closure of Bedwellty House and Park during the restoration process so work can begin.

The report also recommended councillors approve and confirm the authority's capital contribution of £408,000 to the project and consider additional monetary commitments that may be required once the site reopens.