Work has begun in Newcastle as Grey Street and the Quayside are transformed into perfect relaxation spaces for the public to enjoy.
Esh Civils, the civil engineering division of Esh Construction, is to turn the city’s most recognisable street into a ‘pocket park’ as Grey Street Gathering makes its return. The project will offer early morning Tai Chi and Yoga sessions, while also introducing a relaxation space for all to enjoy in the heart of the city.
On Monday, Esh prepared the fencing, laying of artificial grass and receiving of planters ready as work got underway at 2am. The team then worked through the night to deliver and install the main units at the only time footfall was low enough to enable the delivery and unloading.
Tom O’Gara, Small Works Manager at Esh Civils said: “Last year’s Grey Street Gathering was a great success for the region. While the city sleeps, we will once again turn our city into a space for the public to get away from their day-to-day routine. As all the planters were constructed, soiled and planted last year, we took them from storage, restrained the timber elements and then transported and installed on site. It’s a great project to be a part of.”
Next, the firm will move onto setting up the popular Quayside Seaside once again as it enters its seventh year. This year, the week-long work commences on April 22nd as palm trees, 350 tonnes of sand, deck chairs and a playground transform the banks of the Tyne.
O’Gara added: “This project brings great value to the area. It’s a consistent job that we have performed since 2013 which enables us to completely overhaul the space and give the public an appealing place to spend their day.”
The area will be turned into a fan zone for Rugby League’s Challenge Cup and Champions Cup finals which are being held at St James’ Park on Friday 10th May and Saturday 11th May.
Colour UDL’s Senior Landscape Architect and lead designer on both projects, Carwyn Thomas, said: ”We got our inspiration for the Gardens from a project in Bilbao by Balmori Associates back in 2009, where the positioning of the planting gave the impression of ascending a set of stairs in a busy urban area.
“It blends both man-made and nature together for locals to enjoy, and that’s what we want to mirror here, in Newcastle’s busiest and most famous street. The same theme applies to the Quayside Seaside, where visitors can experience the feel of a natural surrounding in the comfort of their own city.”
To find out more about Esh Civils, visit https://www.eshgroup.co.uk.