Work begins on new city centre park

Ground has been broken on a new park being developed in a city centre.

Riverside Park will span both sides of the River Wear and is being built as part of Sunderland City Council's redevelopment of the area.

The 47-acre park will be made up of five areas and work has now begun on the Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens sections.

Once completed, it will include walking routes, exercise zones, play areas, community spaces and a skate park.

The council said it hoped the park would create new habitats for wildlife, reintroduce new species to the area and help people live active lifestyles.

The entrance, located between the Riverside multi-storey car park and the new eye hospital, will be made up of landscaped spaces, ponds and social areas.

Councillor Kevin Johnston said it would provide patients and their families with "beautiful, landscaped green spaces to enjoy".

Kingsley Gardens will be a community-managed space where people will be able to grow fruit and vegetables.

The other areas, which will be developed during later phases of the project, will be Galley's Gill, Lambton Riverside and Wearmouth Riverside.

The park is being built by County Durham firm Esh Construction.

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