Sunderland’s Riverside Park gets underway

Work has officially begun on a new public park in Sunderland, marking a milestone in one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects.

Spanning both sides of the River Wear, Riverside Park, which will cover 13.7 hectares of parkland and 5.3 hectares of riverfront, will form the centrepiece of the Riverside Sunderland development.

The park will feature five distinct areas, with the first phase - Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens - now underway. 

Southern Gateway will introduce new landscaped spaces, ponds and social areas, while Kingsley Gardens will offer community-managed plots for growing organic produce.

Future phases will include walking routes, exercise zones, play areas and a skate park, all designed to enhance biodiversity, heritage and public wellbeing.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see work getting underway on yet another key city development.

“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.”

Esh Construction, a County Durham-based construction firm, is leading the project.

Andy Radcliffe, chief executive of Esh Construction’s Bowburn-headquartered parent company Esh Group, added: “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.”

Councillor Johnston added: “We are proud that Esh Construction, a business deeply rooted in the North East, is delivering this project.

“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.”

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