New images of planned parkland released

It is planned that the parkland will span both banks of the Wear

New images of a planned city centre park have been released ahead of a key decision on its future next week.

Riverside Park in Sunderland will provide a new landscape of green spaces, accessible pathways and water gardens.

The first set of proposals are expected to be approved next week.

More than 13 hectares (32 acres) of parkland spanning both sides of the River Wear are expected to be created across several phases.

Phase one is set to be signed off at a city council cabinet meeting next week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Kinglsey Gardens would house a community garden

Newly-released CGI images show how some of the park’s key features would look, including the Southern Gateway and Water Gardens’

Elsewhere, Kingsley Gardens would provide a new community garden and growing space.

A social and event space is also going to be created in Galley’s Gill by summer next year.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for Dynamic City, said: “Surrounding these developments are swathes of parkland which have such immense potential and transforming them into community assets will support healthier lives for the people who live, work and play in the city centre.”