South Tyneside park to receive over £2m restoration funding

Plans to preserve and improve one of South Tyneside’s oldest parks will be detailed at the next meeting of South Tyneside Council’s Place Select Committee.

Members will be given a presentation on the upcoming restoration of North Marine Park to restore its Victorian appeal.

Earlier this year, the council was successful in its bid for £2.4m of National Lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Chair of the place select committee, Cllr Audrey McMillan, said: “North Marine Park is an important part of our cultural heritage and is a longstanding popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

“I’m looking forward to hearing about next steps, which I understand include the appointment of a parks officer.”

Key elements of the £3.2m project include creating a new themed play area, which will reflect the Borough’s maritime links and Roman heritage, and restoring the park’s original features such as the grotto and the grand promenade staircase.

Improvements to the park’s open areas, lighting, seating, footpaths and bowling area are also planned.

There are also plans to develop interpretation features and art work installations at the bandstand, grotto and site of the former Victorian pilot lookout, Trinity Towers, as well as create an event programme and activities like bowling.