Esh breaks ground on Riverside Park
The 34-acre public park will be the centrepiece of Riverside Sunderland, spanning both sides of the River Wear and 13-acres of riverfront.
Work is now officially underway on the project, which will be comprised of five areas: Southern Gateway, Kingsley Gardens, Galley’s Gill, Lambton Riverside, and Wearmouth Riverside.
This first phase will focus on the Southern Gateway, which will have landscaped spaces, ponds, and social areas, and Kingsley Gardens, which will feature individual and communal allotment plots.
Located between the Riverside multi-storey car park and the Eye Hospital, built by Kier, the Southern Gateway is at the heart of the regeneration masterplan.
Future phases will see more landscaping, walking routes, exercise zones, play areas, a skate park, and areas for community events.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business, said: “Riverside Park will be at the beating heart of Riverside Sunderland, providing green spaces, communal gardens, and recreational areas for people of all ages to utilise and enjoy.
“It will also perfectly complement the new Eye Hospital, providing patients and their families with beautiful, landscaped green spaces to enjoy. It really will provide something for everyone.
“We are proud that Esh Construction, a business deeply rooted in the North East, is delivering this project.
“We have made a commitment as a Council to ensure that our developments maximise benefit for the local and regional economy, and this is a prime example of that.
“Esh is a North East business, delivering a project for the people of the North East which will unlock local jobs and supply chain opportunities for North East people and businesses.”
Andy Radcliffe, Esh’s chief executive, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the start on site event and hear more about how this important project will become a key feature in the Riverside Sunderland landscape.
“We look forward to building on the success of previous projects that we have delivered as part of the wider regeneration of Sunderland while generating even more social and economic value for the local community.”