Located in the busy seaside town of South Shields, construction work at North Marine Park is progressing at pace, with the development entering the final phases of works. The seafront park is undergoing major construction work to restore the parks original features, improve accessibility and open areas, and introduce a new themed play area which will reflect the Borough’s maritime links and Roman heritage.
Preliminary works initially commenced early in 2019, with the main construction phase starting in October 2019. The 7.5-hectare park includes a variety of heritage features – the grand promenade staircase, grottos, pier parade, park pavilion, beacons entrance, sea road wall balustrades and copings, and the bowling clubhouse and green – which have undergone construction throughout different phases of the project.
The latest key milestones include the refurbishment of the bowling clubhouse and green, pier parade entrance, park pavilion, completion of soft landscaping works and the dismantling and re-construction of the grottos – with these key features now handed over for public use.
Works are progressing on the grand staircase, Lawe embankment footways, pier parade railings, and beacons entrance railings where brickwork is now complete, restored coping stones have been installed, and paving and surfacing works are nearing completion. Installation of picnic seating and benches are ongoing throughout the park and are being well used by the general public.
Delivered by Esh’s civil engineering division, the restoration project was commissioned by South Tyneside Council and supported with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), to return the local visitor attraction to its original Victorian splendour.
The final construction phases will see the installation of a children’s play area and adult fitness trail, as well as features such as artwork and street furniture which will decorate key areas of the park. New balustrades and copings will be installed on the sea road wall and new street lighting erected throughout.
Councillor John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy at South Tyneside Council, said: “North Marine Park is one of the Borough’s best-loved parks and an important part of our cultural heritage. It’s a real haven of tranquillity.
“The restoration project has been such a huge undertaking. After many years of planning, designing, and securing the funding needed to restore the park, it’s really been exciting to see the progress being made and watching the new features take shape.
“The scheme not only returns the park back to its original Victorian splendour but introduces new elements to ensure it remains a firm favourite among residents and visitors alike for many more years to come. We are very much looking forward to seeing it completed later in the year.”
The restoration project has been such a huge undertaking. After many years of planning, designing, and securing the funding needed to restore the park, it’s really been exciting to see the progress being made and watching the new features take shape.”
