Riverside Park progresses
Ahead of its scheduled opening later this year, Classic Masonry has completed a series of nine paddlestone walls that form the entrance to the park, which will cover 34 acres of parkland and 13 acres of river on both sides of the Wear as part of the mammoth Riverside Sunderland regeneration scheme.
Esh Construction is the main contractor for two phases of the project, which will sit at the centre of the newly formed neighbourhood and will comprise Galley’s Gill, Kingsley Gardens, Lambton Riverside, and Wearmouth Riverside.
Delivered in phases as the wider regeneration progresses, Esh will deliver the Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens.
Situated between the Riverside multi-storey car park and the new Eye Infirmary, the Southern Gateway will include this park entrance, landscaped spaces, ponds, and social areas designed to increase biodiversity and encourage public use, while Kingsley Gardens, will become a community-managed garden space featuring individual and communal plots.
Mike Moody, managing director at Classic Masonry, said: “We would like to thank Esh Construction for appointing us onto this project. It is wonderful to be involved in the transformation of Sunderland Riverside, an area which will be enjoyed by generations to come…
“For this project, the raw paddlestone material was dressed and fabricated in our workshop and we worked closely with Sunderland City Council and their architect, James Brewer from One Environments to interpret their vision in creating a unique and long-lasting landscaping project with beautiful natural stone.”
Rod Milne, contracts manager at Esh Construction, said: “Working alongside Classic Masonry, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail have helped deliver a truly distinctive entrance feature, we are investing in the future of Sunderland by prioritising local expertise and supply chains.
“This project is a testament to the collaboration between skilled specialists and the wider construction community, ensuring that the benefits of regeneration are felt locally – creating jobs, supporting businesses, and enhancing public spaces for generations to come.”
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the entrance to Riverside Park finally taking shape ahead of its grand opening later this year.
“Sitting at the heart of Riverside Sunderland, the park will provide over 13 hectares of green spaces and public amenities that will be enjoyed by generations to come and the team at Classic Masonry have done a fantastic job to create an entrance which is befitting of such a landmark development.
“We are absolutely delighted with how the park is springing to life and are eagerly awaiting the day when we can finally welcome the public to witness it in its full glory.”
