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CoScan / Confederation of Scandinavian Societies

Posted 3 days ago

GROWING GATESHEAD

The Opportunity -To develop a site in Saltwell Park which otherwise would not happen. To create a unique garden to promote Saltwell Park as an international, green destination.

Why? -To invest in Gateshead’s future. A way of investors putting their stamp on Gateshead and being recognised for their contribution. A real chance to make a lasting difference.

Why a Swedish Garden? Because it is different and new -the first of its kind. It will build on the already strong cultural and trade links. And it has been designed as a reciprocal gesture following the NGS designing an English garden in west Sweden.

Who will benefit?

Gateshead – it will continue the history of ambitious projects for which Gateshead has become famous and admired. It will make a statement about Gateshead and its business community’s commitment to its people and determination to rise above current austerity.

Investors/Sponsors – will get permanent recognition, publicity and a reputation for supporting local people, good causes and driving growth in a new and innovative way.

People- Saltwell Park is a free resource for local people. It is extremely well used by those living in one of the poorest areas of the UK. Always an important local leisure facility, It is becoming more so as people have less money to spend.

Health –benefits of outdoor activity are well documented, including benefits to mental health.

Environment – the development will encourage biodiversity and provide a focus for education

Economy – Saltwell Park attracts over 400,000 visitors yearly to its events. Garden tourism is huge, with companies specialising in organised garden visits and the National Garden Scheme alone tracking nearly 700,000 visits. The multiplier effect – money spent and jobs created is obviously beneficial.

Who will deliver?

Gateshead Council will provide the site and hold funds. The Leader of the Council is fully supportive and involved in the project.

National Garden Scheme Northumberland/Tyne and Wear will drive the project. County Organiser Maureen Kesteven and Organiser Liz Reid have long experience in Gateshead Council, each with around 30 years experience in the fields of legal, economic development and major project management (including construction projects such as Baltic Business Quarter and town centre redevelopment)

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) is a long established (1927) prestigious charity that raises around £3m every year for caring and nursing charities. It is the biggest annual single donor to Macmillan, Marie Curie and Hospice UK and makes significant donations to smaller charities. Prince Charles is the Patron, Mary Berry the President, Investec has been the main sponsor for over 20 years. Run overwhelmingly by volunteers, over 80% of the money raised, by people opening their private gardens, goes to beneficiaries. The scheme includes the large gardens of the aristocracy and estate owners, a number of which have been in the scheme since it began, and also more modest gardens – so it has huge appeal to garden enthusiasts as well as to people wanting a good day out.

This project will help the NGS to raise its profile in the North East – attract more people to open gardens and more visitors, thereby increasing the funds for the vital work of its beneficiarie ... See MoreSee Less