The £18.7 million Levelling Up funded park is the first phase of Shropshire Council’s Smithfield Riverside regeneration programme
Shrewsbury’s new riverside park has officially opened to the public, six weeks ahead of schedule.
Riverside Gardens, which sits at the heart of the town’s long-term regeneration plans, opened on Monday 19 October. It is the first phase of Shropshire Council’s Smithfield Riverside programme, which aims to transform the area between the River Severn and the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury town centre.
Shrewsbury Mayor Bernie Bentick and Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, cut the ribbon at a small ceremony attended by members of the local business community, the Big Town Plan Partnership, and Shropshire Council officers and councillors.
Visitors to the main section of the park can now explore a play area, an open recreational space and a distinctive climbing boulder with rock formations made from English sandstone, limestone, basalt and granite, including locally sourced Grinshill sandstone.
Bernie Bentick, Shrewsbury Mayor, said:
“Riverside Gardens will be a fantastic new spot for people to meet, play and relax in the heart of Shrewsbury. From the play area and open recreational space to the distinctive climbing boulder and new planting, there is something here for visitors of all ages to enjoy, and I am delighted to see it open to the public.”
As well as being a destination in its own right, the park creates a through route from Frankwell to Raven Meadows. A new lift provides access from Frankwell car park across the footbridge, while step-free access is available via Welsh Bridge.
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said:
“This opening marks the next important milestone in our work to revitalise and regenerate this area of the town centre. As well as a beautiful new public space, the new Riverside Gardens strengthens the connection between Frankwell, the river and the town centre, improves accessibility and gives people another reason to spend time in Shrewsbury. It also demonstrates the wider potential of the Smithfield Riverside programme to support local businesses, encourage investment and help secure a vibrant future for the town.”
With the lift now in use, Shropshire Council has installed mitigation barriers at the Frankwell end of the footbridge to improve pedestrian safety. New signage will also be put up explaining the new bridge layout and access arrangements.
The scheme has been delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction.
Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Midlands business, said:
“Smithfield Riverside Gardens will be transformational for the centre of Shrewsbury, it is a completely new way to experience the River Severn and everything the town has to offer. By opening this route to the river, we anticipate greater footfall in Shrewsbury town centre and high demand for the flexible spaces we’ve created to host community performances and events.
“We have engaged with the local community throughout the project to keep everyone well informed about our plans and forthcoming activities. Working alongside Shropshire Council has been fantastic, allowing us to fully explore the possibilities of the site and to ensure that every decision we made was for the benefit of the town and the wider region.”
The work is funded by £18.7 million of Levelling Up money from the UK Government, awarded to Shropshire Council in January 2023.
