South Shields seafront is set to receive a huge boost with the announced improvements to North Marine park.
A children’s play park, artwork beacon and sensory gardens are at the centre of huge plans the council have for the park.
The restoration of the Grotto, park promenade, grand staircase, terrace, pier parade main entrance and sea road boundary all feature in the council’s mega plans for the park.
The park will also see the introduction of a fitness trail and a bowling club for local residents to use.
At the moment, North Marine park attracts around 272,000 people and these redevelopment plans will be a huge boost to those who use the park and the surrounding businesses.
The council has said that it aims to attract more visitors to South Shields and they believe that the redevelopment of this historic park area would boost their current figures.
A grant of £194,000 has been given by South Tyneside Council to bring the park back to life and the project is looking secure £2.45 million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader for South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The bid for the next round of funding is a key milestone in our plans to transform North Marine Park.
“This beautiful space is an important part of our cultural heritage and we are keen to see it preserved so that families can continue to enjoy it for many more years to come. The Council has done a lot of work with the Friends of the parks group over recent months to help shape proposals for the site.
“A successful application will allow us to move ahead with our vision for the park, and once completed, it really will look spectacular. The park’s restoration will also complement the regeneration schemes already completed on our seafront area.”
A decision on the second stage funding bid is expected by the New Year. If funding is secured, the council are hopeful that work will start on the park as early as summer 2018.
South Tyneside Council and the Friends of North and South Marine Park are going to work together on the park, and you can contact friendsoftheparksouthshields@hotmail.co.uk if you are looking for further details on the project.