Pictures of past times and sights at a South Tyneside park are the focus of a new photography display supporting a funding bid to preserve its heritage.
South Tyneside Council is looking to restore the historic North Marine Park back to its original Victorian character to help retain the seafront park’s heritage and transform the space for future generations to enjoy. In order to help fund the improvements, the Council is submitting an application for a grant of up to £3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
To support the grant submission, members of the Friends of North and South Marine Parks turned photographers over the winter period to help compare and contrast how aspects of the park had changed over the years.
With the help of local film maker Gary Wilkinson, the group produced a set of more than 80 photographs, depicting the same locations featured in a collection of historical pictures and postcards they had to compare. The best 12 images are now on display in nearby Haven Point and will remain there until Easter for visitors to view.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “North Marine Park is not only an important part of our cultural heritage; it is a tranquil space with some breath taking views for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are keen to develop and improve it so that families can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.
“This photography project helps to capture the park during the winter, with images of bare trees and cold, wet walkways, creating a forlorn feeling while highlighting our hopes for future improvement.
“We would encourage people to come and take a look at the images produced by the Friends’ group. The group does an excellent job in promoting the parks and I would like to thank Gary and the members for their support in our vision to restore this treasured gem.”
As well as featuring some of the more well-known features of the North Marine Park, the photography project also captured less noticeable aspects, such as where the stone archway once stood, alongside some of the park’s regular visitors.
Margaret Thompson, Chair of the Friends’ group, said: “Choosing the best 12 images was extremely difficult as there were so many good pictures. We thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the photography project and look forward to helping to shape the park improvements in the future.
“Hopefully through our pictures we can showcase our valued park, and where improvements can be made, so that the funding can be secured to return this wonderful space back to its original Victorian layout.”
Gary added: “It was great to work with the Friends of the park. They are very keen to see improvements made to North Marine Park and I hope that the photography project helps to achieve that.”
Key elements of the project to upgrade and preserve the park include creating better links between the park and the newly transformed Littlehaven Promenade and Seawall as well as improving the area around the Lawe Top, which, as the park’s highest point, acts as an incredible viewing platform for the stunning coastline, views of the harbour and mouth of the river.
It is also proposed that some key aspects of the park’s original features be restored, such as the stone archway, a new family entertainment and play area be created, the park’s open areas and footpaths be improved and creative ways to interpret the park’s history and heritage are explored.
This week, the Council made a Stage One submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and if favourable, will lead to Stage Two. If the Council is successful in both bids, work on the park could begin as early as 2017.
Anyone interested in joining the Friends of North and South Marine Parks and getting involved in the project to regenerate North Marine Park can email friendsoftheparksouthshields@hotmail.co.uk