Tyne Derwent Way celebrates first year of success
It's a year since work began to revitalise Gateshead's riverside attraction, the Tyne Derwent Way, and it's been a hugely successful year for the project as pathways have been revived, sculptures have been restored, and community events have taken place.
The Tyne Derwent Way is a nine mile route beginning at St Mary's Heritage Centre, running along the rivers Tyne and Derwent, and finishing at Gibside. Work began to revitalise the trail in April 2024 and has been carried out by the Gateshead Riverside Partnership - a collaboration between Gateshead Council, the National Trust, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust.
Thanks to £1.7 million of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) investment, the partnership has started to bring the trail's rich heritage and natural beauty back into focus for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights of the Tyne Derwent Way's first year include:
- Ongoing work to restore the sculptures and improving access within Gateshead Riverside Park.
- Monthly volunteer sessions by the Saturday Green team, enhancing habitats for wildlife and people.
- An established and continuing programme of events for people of all ages, including nature-themed activities with Wild Intrigue providing more opportunities for local communities to get close to wildlife and wild places.
- The long-awaited reopening of Dunston Staiths following the pandemic, including the return of the popular Dunston Staiths Dog Show at the end of August
- The opening of a new indoor space to use and visit at Dunston Staiths, with free art workshops twice a week
- The launch of a local heritage podcast, Telling Tales, featuring local people's voices and stories: https://www.tynederwentway.co.uk/article/31516/Telling-Tales
- The launch and completion of Tyne Derwent Way in a Box, a creative project that brought together neurodiverse young people and professional artists.
- The formation of a new community steering group, who meet regularly to discuss future plans for the Tyne Derwent Way.
- New '48 things to do along the Tyne Derwent Way' activity book for children, working with partners and locations along our full nine-mile route.
Now into the project's second year, Gateshead Riverside Partnership are keen to ensure that the riverside attraction continues to attract communities and visitors to engage with Gateshead's heritage, culture and nature. An application is being reviewed enabling us to apply to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to secure funding to support an extended four-year programme that would continue to build on this year's momentum.
If the bid is successful, the programme will evolve over the next 12 months, with significant community engagement to ensure that its success is embedded in Gateshead's people.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said: "The Tyne Derwent Way is a fantastic example of how collaboration and community involvement can bring our natural and cultural heritage back to life. In just one year, it's already made a real difference, whether that's restoring iconic landmarks, creating volunteering opportunities, or connecting people with the natural world. There's still much to do so we're excited to see what the future holds as we work together to grow and sustain this unique space for generations to come."
To learn more about the project or get involved, visit: www.tynederwentway.co.uk
Image credit: Damien Wootten
It's a year since work began to revitalise Gateshead's riverside attraction, the Tyne Derwent Way, and it's been a hugely successful year for the project as pathways have been revived, sculptures have been restored, and community events have taken place.
The Tyne Derwent Way is a nine mile route beginning at St Mary's Heritage Centre, running along the rivers Tyne and Derwent, and finishing at Gibside. Work began to revitalise the trail in April 2024 and has been carried out by the Gateshead Riverside Partnership - a collaboration between Gateshead Council, the National Trust, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust.
Thanks to £1.7 million of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) investment, the partnership has started to bring the trail's rich heritage and natural beauty back into focus for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights of the Tyne Derwent Way's first year include:
- Ongoing work to restore the sculptures and improving access within Gateshead Riverside Park.
- Monthly volunteer sessions by the Saturday Green team, enhancing habitats for wildlife and people.
- An established and continuing programme of events for people of all ages, including nature-themed activities with Wild Intrigue providing more opportunities for local communities to get close to wildlife and wild places.
- The long-awaited reopening of Dunston Staiths following the pandemic, including the return of the popular Dunston Staiths Dog Show at the end of August
- The opening of a new indoor space to use and visit at Dunston Staiths, with free art workshops twice a week
- The launch of a local heritage podcast, Telling Tales, featuring local people's voices and stories: https://www.tynederwentway.co.uk/article/31516/Telling-Tales
- The launch and completion of Tyne Derwent Way in a Box, a creative project that brought together neurodiverse young people and professional artists.
- The formation of a new community steering group, who meet regularly to discuss future plans for the Tyne Derwent Way.
- New '48 things to do along the Tyne Derwent Way' activity book for children, working with partners and locations along our full nine-mile route.
Now into the project's second year, Gateshead Riverside Partnership are keen to ensure that the riverside attraction continues to attract communities and visitors to engage with Gateshead's heritage, culture and nature. An application is being reviewed enabling us to apply to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to secure funding to support an extended four-year programme that would continue to build on this year's momentum.
If the bid is successful, the programme will evolve over the next 12 months, with significant community engagement to ensure that its success is embedded in Gateshead's people.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said: "The Tyne Derwent Way is a fantastic example of how collaboration and community involvement can bring our natural and cultural heritage back to life. In just one year, it's already made a real difference, whether that's restoring iconic landmarks, creating volunteering opportunities, or connecting people with the natural world. There's still much to do so we're excited to see what the future holds as we work together to grow and sustain this unique space for generations to come."
To learn more about the project or get involved, visit: www.tynederwentway.co.uk
Image credit: Damien Wootten
