Artist Jill Halo with one of the new planting designs inspired by a glasswork at Gateshead’s Shipley Art Gallery being planted by Gateshead Council’s Neil Armstrong.
A Gateshead park is being transformed into the perfect oasis for older people and carers with inspiration from one of the North East’s most popular art galleries.
St Edmunds Park opposite the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead is undergoing a makeover as part of a three year plan. The help and ideas of local school children and the voluntary Friends of St Edmunds Park group are being used to create a unique vibrant park.
One of the key parts of the revamp is new planting based on designs on show in the Shipley Art Gallery’s collections. Working with artists Neil Marsh and Jill Halo Gateshead Council staff have planted some stunning beds. The plants chosen follow the latest thinking on sustainable planting and will provide year round colour in the park.
As well as the planting new seats and waste bins will be installed during the project. The whole project is a combined effort by Gateshead Council, The Gateshead Housing Company and ‘Carers Cultural Adventures’ which is a local group made up of carers and former carers. The organisation aims to offer chances for carers to enjoy cultural activity as a way of gaining self confidence and making a positive impact on the community.
Once the work is complete it is hoped that the park will become a popular spot not only for local people young and old but for visitors to the Shipley Art Gallery and perhaps even complement school visits to the gallery.
Gateshead Council cabinet member for the environment Cllr Michael McNestry said: “We’re always looking for ways to make improvements to our open spaces and parks which will provide residents and visitors to Gateshead with a better experience. This project really does tick all of those boxes and I’m looking forward to seeing the results.”