This is what South Shield's North Marine Park will look like after multi-million pound makeover

The pier parade will see an improvement among many other plans

South Tyneside Council has appointed Esh Constrution the £3.2million contract to improve North Marine Park in South Shields with £2.4million of funding coming from a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

What changes will be made?

The work includes better links with Littlehaven Promenade and improvements of the area around the Lawe Top.

New play parks will be formed and improved

A new themed play area will be built, which reflects the Borough’s maritime links and Roman heritage and improvements to the park’s open areas, lighting, seating, footpaths and bowling area are also planned.

The park’s original Victorian features including the grotto and the grand promenade staircase will be restored and there are plans to also develop interpretation features and art work installations at the performance area, grotto and site of the former Victorian pilot lookout, Trinity Towers, as well as an event programme with pitch and putt and bowling.

Beautiful, calm haven

Cllr John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: “After years of planning, securing funding and developing detailed proposals for the park, our vision for the site is about to start taking shape.

The grand promenade staircase will also see an improvement

“For more than a century it has been a favourite spot for local people and visitors and our commitment to restoring it will ensure that this beautiful, calm haven will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The work is expected to take around 12 months.

Jade Ridley the Parks Officer will be working closely with the project team, Friends of North and South Marine parks, local schoolchildren and the wider community to ensure the park is well maintained.

Cllr John Anglin said: “North Marine Park was designed to be an asset for the community and redeveloping it and restoring it to its former glory will ensure residents and visitors get the most out of this wonderful facility.”

The new themed play area will reflect the Borough’s maritime links and Roman heritage

North and South Marine Parks both opened in June 1890. The northern park was created on 7.5 hectares of former ballast hills, with more space dedicated to trees, pathways and shrubbery than the south park, providing a more tranquil space.