Shrewsbury’s new riverside park opens to public

Opening the park are (l-r): Bernie Bentick, Mayor of Shrewsbury; Rachel Robinson, deputy chief executive – Shropshire Council; Councillor Rob Wilson

Riverside Gardens, the new Government-grant-funded park at the heart of Shrewsbury’s long-term regeneration plans, opened today, Monday 19 October 2026.

Riverside Gardens is the first phase of Shropshire Council’s Smithfield Riverside programme, which is set to transform the area between the River Severn and The Darwin shopping centre in Shrewsbury town centre.

There was a small ribbon cutting ceremony attended by key stakeholders including members of the local business community, Big Town Plan Partnership and Shropshire Council officers and councillors.

Shrewsbury Mayor Bernie Bentick and Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration cut the ribbon to officially open the brand-new park to the public.

The main section of Riverside Gardens has opened six weeks ahead of schedule with visitors able to explore the play area, open recreational area, and the distinctive climbing boulder and rock formations – made out of English sandstone, limestone, basalt and granite including locally sourced Grinshill sandstone.

Alongside being a destination in its own right, the park also enables a through route from Frankwell to Raven Meadows. This is supported by a new lift, enabling access from Frankwell car park across the footbridge. Step-free access is via Welsh Bridge.

Bernie Bentick, Shrewsbury Mayor, said:

“Riverside Gardens will be a fantastic new spot for people to meet, play and relax in the heart of Shrewsbury. From the play area and open recreational space to the distinctive climbing boulder and new planting, there is something here for visitors of all ages to enjoy, and I am delighted to see it open to the public.”

Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said:

“This opening marks the next important milestone in our work to revitalise and regenerate this area of the town centre. As well as a beautiful new public space, the new Riverside Gardens strengthens the connection between Frankwell, the river and the town centre, improves accessibility and gives people another reason to spend time in Shrewsbury. It also demonstrates the wider potential of the Smithfield Riverside programme to support local businesses, encourage investment and help secure a vibrant future for the town.”

With the lift now in use, Shropshire Council has also installed mitigation barriers to improve pedestrian safety at the Frankwell end of the footbridge. New signage will also be put in place advising of the new bridge layout and access arrangements.

Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Midlands business, said:

“Riverside Gardens will be transformational for the centre of Shrewsbury, it is a completely new way to experience the River Severn and everything the town has to offer. By opening this route to the river, we anticipate greater footfall in Shrewsbury town centre and high demand for the flexible spaces we’ve created to host community performances and events.

“We have engaged with the local community throughout the project to keep everyone well informed about our plans and forthcoming activities. Working alongside Shropshire Council has been fantastic, allowing us to fully explore the possibilities of the site and to ensure that every decision we made was for the benefit of the town and the wider region.”

The work is being funded using £18.7 million of Levelling Up money from the UK Government which was awarded to Shropshire in January 2023.