Planting under way on new park as it transforms a forgotten city corner

The game-changing Riverside development isn't just about buildings - it will also see a new park created for the city.

- by Katy Wheeler

Planting has started on Riverside Park, which is transforming once forgotten empty space on the edge of the city centre into accessible green space.

Covering 13.7 hectares of parkland and 5.3 hectares of riverfront, the Park will be delivered in phases and will be made up of five areas: Southern Gateway, Kingsley Gardens, Galley's Gill, Lambton Riverside, and Wearmouth Riverside.

Phase 1 will see the creation of the new Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens with construction works well underway and due for completion later this year.

The Southern Gateway will be situated between the Riverside multi-storey car park and new Eye Hospital, and will comprise a new park entrance, biodiverse landscaped areas, shapely ponds which form part of the sustainable drainage system, and relaxing social spaces where residents can engage and interact.