New life breathed into city centre park
An oft-forgotten corner of the city centre has been brought to life spectacularly with the opening of the new Minster Park.
The old Town Park, next to Sunderland Minster, was a little-used area of the city in recent decades, despite its rich heritage as the heart of Bishopwearmouth, one of the three original settlements that came together to form Sunderland.
But on Thursday, August 27, a year to the day since ground was broken on the project, its new look as Minster Park has been unveiled following a yearlong programme of improvement works to transform Sunderland Minster and the land to the south of it.
The opening marked the completion of this section of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme, which has also seen repair works made to Sunderland Minster churchyard, as well as the Dun Cow and Peacock pubs.
Sunderland City Council was awarded a £1.9million National Lottery Grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help preserve and enhance the historic features of this corner of the city.
The park aims to attract more people to the area with a programme of events planned, whilst also celebrating its unique heritage.
Stone walls, using stones from old buildings in Sheepfolds Industrial Estate, have been built in the footprint of 17th-century cottages which once formed streets in the village. Original stone street signs, naming Little Gate and South Gate, as well as an old sign from nearby almshouses which once stood in the area, have been built into the walls.
Speaking about the finished project, The Revd Canon Stuart Bain, Provost of Sunderland Minster, said: “I think it’s beautiful, it’s now the kind of space people will want to come and sit. This has always been a special place because of its history, but before it was a bit lifeless and soulless.
"It means we can bring the Minster out into the garden too, and I can very much see this space being used for openair services and music. I can’t thank the local authority and Heritage Lottery Fund enough, as we couldn’t have afforded to do this ourselves.”
Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Dynamic City at Sunderland City Council, said: “I think the creation of this space really helps people to appreciate the Minster. All too often, we walk along with our heads forward and don’t look up and admire the buildings here.”