The National Garden Scheme (NGS) Northumberland, Tyne and Wear team are currently working with partners to fund raise for a unique Swedish inspired garden in Saltwell Park. The project aims to bring new visitors to the North East and promote Gateshead to an international audience.
Why a Swedish Garden? it's being build on the already strong cultural and trade links with Sweden and is a reciprocal gesture following the opening of NGS's classic English garden at Jonsered Mansion, Gothenburg in 2017.
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 and 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 and outside the borough. Benefits of outdoor activity are well documented, including being good for your 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 NGS alone tracking nearly 700,000 visits. The multiplier effect - money spent, and jobs created is the aim.
Who will deliver
Gateshead Council will provide the site. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Martin Gannon is fully supportive and involved in the project. Maureen Kesteven and Liz Reid from National Garden Scheme Northumberland/Tyne and Wear will drive the project.
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 and it is run by volunteers. 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 beneficiaries.
When it will it open
The garden is due to be open in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, August 2019.
How you can help
"Being Gateshead born and bred, with my business based here too, I am delighted to get behind and make a contribution to this local project. I think it is good to return something to my town and I would encourage others to do the same." Ian Watson, Owner and Chairman, Hadrian Healthcare Group
If you'd like to get involved with the project either by volunteering or sponsoring please contact Liz Reid or Maureen Kesteven.
