OPINION is sharply divided about the cafe planned for Redhill's main park as part of a £1.5million makeover.
The new cafe, complete with outdoor seating and toilets, will be at the heart of the revamped Memorial Park, off London Road.
Construction work on the overhaul is well under way, and the park is due to reopen this autumn.
But opinions from residents vary from welcoming the new cafe, to others branding it a waste of money and a potential vandals' paradise.
A computer-generated image of the proposed building, which went up on the Mirror's website, has generated contrasting reactions.
Simon Smith said: "[It's] not only a waste of money when our roads and schools are falling apart, but an ugly building too."
Nicky Stevens wrote: "It won't look like that for long after the graffiti, beer cans, etc."
And Janet Langston commented: "Will it be that ghastly red like the rest of Redhill?"
But Charlene Mardell retorted: "I don't understand all the negative comments.
"A fresh look is what this town needs, and it will be nice to take the kids instead of going all the way to the priory [Priory Park in Reigate]. I can't wait for it to be finished."
Paul Jones is similarly upbeat. He said: "I think it's a great idea – mums, dads and babies having somewhere to go in the sunshine.
"It's just what this place needs.
"I will be going here when it opens and I can't wait."
The park will remain closed for about six months while development work continues apace.
Other new features will include a revamped children's play area, a sports zone, a community orchard, and a performance area.
Natalie Bramhall, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's executive member for property and regeneration, said: "It is really exciting to see things happening on site after all the planning that has gone into this project.
"I'm sure that, like me, local people are looking forward to watching our ambitious designs for improving our park take shape.
"When complete, it will be a real asset to the town and one they can be proud of."
