Work to begin on city's new Riverside Park

An ambitious project to transform swathes of land spanning both sides of the River Wear into a new city centre park is set to get underway.

Esh Construction has been appointed by Sunderland City Council to lead on the first phase of Riverside Park, situated at the heart of Riverside Sunderland.

One of the UK's largest urban regeneration projects, Riverside Sunderland is a multi-billion-pound project breathing new life into the city's former industrial heartland.

Covering 13.7 hectares of parkland and 5.3 hectares of river, Riverside Park, which comprises Galley's Gill, Kingsley Gardens, Lambton Riverside and Wearmouth Riverside, will be delivered in several phases as the wider regeneration progresses.

Phase one will include the creation of the new park entrance, which will be situated at the southern end of Galley's Gill, between the Riverside multi-storey car park and the new Eye Hospital. The area includes new ponds and landscaping that will provide attractive and interactive social spaces and a variety of flora and fauna that will increase biodiversity and natural habitat. 

It will also include Kingsley Gardens, a community-managed garden and growing space with a combination of individual and communal plots, located on the east side of Galley's Gill. Kingsley Gardens will be a space that can be enjoyed by the local and wider community and will act as a vital education resource to showcase the benefits of organic growing and healthy eating.

Galley's Gill will be at the heart of Riverside Park and future phases will include a playground and a skate park attracting children of all ages.

Lambton Riverside will follow the river's edge from Ayre's Quay to Wearmouth Bridge, creating space for play, exercise, and events.  

Finally, Wearmouth Riverside, which will follow the north bank of the river from Wreath Quay to Bonnersfield, will see the historic wagonway restored and further space made available for watersports bringing the river back into use for rowing, sailing and water sports and informal social spaces which exploit its south-facing vistas.

The wider plans also include proposals for improved paths, lighting and a year-round programme of events and festivities will animate the space and attract visitors too, with woodland management, planting and a new maintenance regime enhancing biodiversity by creating new habitats for birds, insects and mammals.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business, said: "Riverside Park will be the centrepiece of Riverside Sunderland, providing stunning parkland, communal growing spaces and leisure space for those living, working and visiting the area.

"It will also see this stretch of the River Wear once again utilised for leisure activities, be it paddleboarding, rowing or water sports, providing even more of a reason for people to visit this beautiful area of the city.

"Work will begin on the project over the coming weeks and months, and we are delighted that Esh Construction, which is also leading on the infrastructure improvements at Sheepfolds, will be delivering the first phase of works.

"As a North East business, it will ensure as much of the positive economic impact generated by the development remains within the region, by creating and sustaining jobs for local people and generating opportunities for those in the supply chain.

"It is yet another milestone for Riverside Sunderland, which is fast becoming one of the UK's largest and most ambitious regeneration projects."

Stephen McClean, construction manager at Esh Construction, said: "This latest award marks the second contract Esh will deliver at Riverside Sunderland and as a local contractor we are proud to play our part in the regeneration programme.

"As with all Esh projects, social value will be at the heart of our delivery, and we will aim to maximise the positive impact within the local community through local employment, procurement and engagement opportunities."

For more information on Riverside Sunderland, visit: https://www.riversidesunderland.com/