The �1.77m regeneration of a run-down town centre garden is due to begin next week.
Work on Stevenage Town Centre Gardens by the borough council is due to start on Monday, funded by a grant from the National Lottery.
The first phase will include the draining of the pond to install a new wooden embankment, the restoration of the Lady and Doves statue, new planting, floating islands for wildfowl and a new bridge.
Fish in the pond will be temporarily re-homed in Bedfordshire and later returned.
Deputy leader of the council, John Gardner, said: “I am sure that everyone will be pleased to see work under way. This is a very important project which will benefit everyone who lives or works in Stevenage.”
The scheme is due for completion in 2011.
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