Riverside Gardens, the new Government-grant-funded park in Shrewsbury town centre, is set to open in December.

Riverside Gardens is the first phase of the Smithfield Riverside programme, which is set to transform the area between the River Severn and The Darwin Centre.

In recent weeks, significant progress has been made on site with new and mature trees planted, and the installation of a distinctive climbing boulder and rock formations 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.

A steel frame for the park’s brand new lift has also been added, 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.

The park will:
- Create a welcoming and inclusive destination in Shrewsbury
- Encourage more people to spend time in the town centre throughout the day and into the evening
- Be able to host community events
- Provide a boost in footfall
- Enhance the attractiveness of the wider Riverside site for future investment and development
- Enhance biodiversity
- Play 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.