THIS is the first exclusive picture of how Liverpool’s derelict Garden Festival is set to look within just 12 months.

Developer Langtree will move on to the site today, the first time work has taken place on the derelict site in 13 years.

The £3.7m restoration begins almost 26 years after the International Garden Festival first opened to huge public acclaim in 1984.

After accessing the 70 acres of land construction starts within seven days to restore the Oriental gardens, returning them to public use.

Also revamped will be the lakes and waterways, the Moon Wall will be rebuilt, two pagodas restored and the landscaping of woodland trails carried out.

A new pedestrian access will create links with Otterspool Promenade together with a new parking and public transport facilities.

It is the first work on the Garden Festival site since 1986 when 600 homes were built on the land after the hugely popular park closed.

Pleasure Island amusement park opened for a short time before closing in 1997 leaving behind a forgotten waterfront oasis.

Today, city leaders described the breakthrough as a “milestone” in a chequered history for the park which has controversially descended into neglect.

John Downes, Langtree managing director, said it was a symbolic move for the Garden Festival’s future.

And he agreed the restoration would hopefully accelerate a 1,300 apartment project which collapsed in 2008.

Mr Downes said: “We are pleased to reach a final consensus so we can move forward. It’s a tricky site, but unique in nature.