Shrewsbury opens riverside park six weeks ahead of schedule
Riverside Gardens, the first phase of Shropshire Council’s Smithfield Riverside programme, has opened to the public six weeks ahead of schedule. The new park sits between the River Severn and the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury town centre and forms part of the town’s long-term regeneration plans.
The main section includes a play area, open recreational space and a climbing feature made from English sandstone, limestone, basalt and granite, including locally sourced Grinshill sandstone. A small opening ceremony on Monday 19 October was attended by local business representatives, members of the Big Town Plan Partnership, Shropshire Council officers and councillors.
Shrewsbury Mayor Bernie Bentick and Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, cut the ribbon. Bentick 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.”
The park also 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. Shropshire Council has installed mitigation barriers at the Frankwell end of the footbridge to improve pedestrian safety, and plans to put up signs explaining the new bridge layout and access arrangements.
Wilson said the opening was “the next important milestone” in efforts to revitalise the town-centre area. He said Riverside Gardens strengthened the connection between Frankwell, the river and the town centre, improved accessibility and gave people another reason to spend time in Shrewsbury. He added that the wider programme could support local businesses, encourage investment and help secure a vibrant future for the town.
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 with £18.7 million of Levelling Up money from the UK Government, awarded to the council in January 2023.
