Huge metal obelisk appears on Lawe Top as work presses ahead on South Shields' North Marine Park

The huge metal artwork has appeared on the 'Hilltop' area of the park, which offers one of the best views in South Tyneside

Work has been continuing through the pandemic on the £3.2million project to restore North Marine Park to its former glory, with new play facilities and artworks adding a contemporary edge to the Victorian park.

Visitors have been able to see landscaping work reshaping areas of the park, and installations popping up, including equipment in the new playpark.

The latest addition is a rusted metal obelisk, cut and embossed with words honouring South Tyneside’s rich heritage as a coastal borough and heart of heavy industry.

It has been set in concrete on a prominent spot overlooking the harbour, seafront, and set against the dramatic sweeping view up the cliffs to Souter Lighthouse.

The artwork remains fenced off, as are other areas of the park, until work is complete.

Speaking at the last update on works, 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 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.”

Key elements of the revamp, which is being supported with a £2.4million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), include the reconstruction of the park’s original grotto, the refurbishment of the bowling clubhouse and green, Pier Parade entrance and park pavilion.

There will be a new playpark, an adult fitness trim trail, a network artwork installations, and a restoration of the Grand Promenade staircase linking the park to the ‘Hilltop’ area of parkland.

New balustrades and copings will also be installed along the Sea Road wall, and there will be improvements to the park’s street lighting, seating, footpaths, open spaces and the bowling area will complete the refurbishment scheme.

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