South Marine Park

South Shields Parks & Historic Landscapes

Acting as lead consultant, TGP worked on all stages of this project, from the preparation of successful Stage 1 and 2 submissions to the design and management of implementation stages during construction.

Awards:

Best Park or Garden 2009 in the Horticultural Week Awards
Local Government Streetscape Award for Lighting 2009
Green Flag Award

South Marine Park is part of a Victorian complex of parks and recreation grounds which make up the entire seafront of South Shields for some 4 km. The park still retained the original design structure, although a number of historic features had been lost. The conservation and management proposals sought to recreate the original design integrity and character of the park whilst responding to contemporary requirements.

TGP, acting as lead consultant, worked on all stages of this project; from the preparation of successful Stage 1 and Stage 2 submissions under the Heritage Lottery Fund Public Parks Initiative, to Stage 3, the detailed design and management of the implementation stages during construction. The works included restoration of the terrace, bandstand, lake and boating pavilion and provision of new children’s play area and enhanced visitor facilities. The total project value was £5.56 million.

Project approach and deliverables:

Re-establishment of gates and piers at the three main historic entrances.
Upgrade of pathways, drainage and associated lighting.
Restoration and upgrade of park furniture using photographic evidence of original seats as a model.
Restoration of terraces, including surfacing, balustrades, plinths to ‘black amazons’ and drainage.
Boathouse and Café – redesign context, upgrade cafe and provide a new boat kiosk, taking account of franchise requirements.
Lake refurbishment – silt removal, repair of lake edging, water quality and future management.
Replacement of Bandstand using original designs.
Railway – upgrading station and related infrastructure.
Reinstating the waterfall with new pumping and circulation.
Refurbishment of woodland structure and new specimen tree structure.
Reinvigoration of soil and refurbished shrub planting using documentary records of earlier plantings as a guide.
Reinstating floral displays and key areas of bedding.
Providing a new play area with input from the community and specialist suppliers.
Development of an associated Arts Programme through ‘Creative Partnership’ linking friends, schools and park users.
Development of a detailed interpretation strategy involving all stakeholders.
Production of a detailed 10-Year Management and Maintenance Plan.

“It’s a credit to your commitment to the project that the Park continues to receive accolades from a number of quarters and it’s great for the Council and all those involved with the Park. On behalf of the Council a big thank you and looking forward to working with you again.”

Tony Duggan, Head of Culture and Neighbourhoods, South Tyneside Council