A new riverside 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 aims to transform the area between the River Severn and The Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury town centre.
Significant progress has recently been made on the site, including the planting of new and mature trees and the installation of a steel frame for a new lift.
The lift will provide access to the park from Frankwell car park and footbridge, while plans for an accessible ramp from the car park onto the bridge are also being considered.
A distinctive climbing boulder and rock formations have already been installed within the play area.
The boulder incorporates English sandstone, limestone, basalt and granite, including locally sourced Grinshill sandstone, reflecting the area’s connection to Shropshire’s landscape and heritage.
The council said the park would provide a welcoming and inclusive destination for residents and visitors, while improving biodiversity and encouraging more people to spend time in the town centre during the day and evening.
It will also be able to host community events and is expected to increase footfall, helping make the wider Riverside site more attractive for future investment and development.
The park has also been designed to play a role in helping to reduce flood risk within this part of the town centre.
The project is being funded through £18.7 million of Levelling Up funding awarded to Shropshire Council by the UK Government in January 2023.
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 the recent tree planting had transformed the site and demonstrated the progress made in a relatively short period.
Alex Wagner, deputy leader of the council and Cabinet member for transformation and economic growth, said the park would create a new town-centre space where people could sit, play, socialise or simply walk through.
He added: “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.”
Morgan Sindall Construction has been working on the site since September 2025 and is expected to complete the main construction work during the autumn.
Finishing touches will then be carried out ahead of the park’s official opening in December.