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Representatives of Shropshire Council at Riverside Gardens
Riverside Gardens, the new Government-grant-funded park at the heart of Shrewsbury’s long-term regeneration plans, is set to open in December [2026].
Riverside Gardens is the first phase of Shropshire Council’s Smithfield Riverside programme, which is set to transform the area between the River Severn and The Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury town centre.
In recent weeks, significant progress has been made on site with both new and mature trees planted, as well as the addition of the steel frame for the park’s brand new lift, which will enable access from Frankwell car park and footbridge to the new park. Plans for an accessible ramp onto the bridge from the car park are currently being considered.
These developments follow the installation of a distinctive climbing boulder and rock formations included in the play area. The boulder is made out of English sandstone, limestone, basalt and granite including locally sourced Grinshill sandstone, reflecting the park’s connection to Shropshire’s natural landscape and heritage.
The park will create a welcoming and inclusive destination in Shrewsbury, enhancing biodiversity while encouraging more people to spend time in the town centre throughout the day and into the evening. With the ability to host community events and provide a boost in footfall, it enhances the attractiveness of the wider Riverside site for future investment and development, while also playing an important role in helping mitigate flood risk in this area of the town centre.
The work is being funded using £18.7 million of Levelling Up money from the UK Government which was awarded to the council in January 2023.
Representatives of Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership and Morgan Sindall visited Riverside Gardens this week.
Tim Pritchard, Shrewsbury programme manager at Shropshire Council, said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to be approaching the opening date of Riverside Gardens, the first step in our ambitious regeneration plan for Shrewsbury town centre and the wider Shropshire region. The key next step is ensuring that the rest of the site is put to use for the benefit of the town in a meanwhile capacity ahead of future development phases. We’re exploring opportunities with partners on what that should look like.”
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said:
“It’s been great to show partners and councillors around the site over the last week for them to see the latest progress, particularly since the new tree installation which has transformed the site and shows the real delivery progress that has been made in a relatively short period of time.”
Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s deputy Leader and Cabinet member for transformation and economic growth, added:
“Delivery of this new park will add real benefit to residents and visitors alike giving them a new space within the town centre to sit, play and socialise or simply just walk through.
“Riverside Gardens will provide a beautiful and inclusive new space for people of all ages to enjoy and take a moment out of their busy lives, with a play area that’s perfect for young families unlocking Shrewsbury’s fantastic riverside location.”
The council’s chosen contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has been on site since September 2025 and is set to finalise work on the park in the autumn. Finishing touches will then be completed before the park’s official opening in December.
