Newcastle City Council has announced plans to repair damage suffered at the historic Leazes Park more than two years ago, but the proposals have reignited a row over the listed site's future.
Two plinths at the entrance off Richardson Road were damaged after being struck by vehicles, and the broken sandstone pillars have been left on the ground ever since. The damage occurred following the In The Park festival in May 2024, when there were accusations that the Victorian green space was being used as a “cash cow” after it was left “devastated”.
Plans to repair and widen gateway
Newcastle City Council has now lodged plans that would see the Richardson Road gateway repaired and also widened. However, the proposals have sparked fresh concern over the “demise” of the grade II listed park.
The Friends of Leazes Park said they “strongly object” to the expansion of the Richardson Road entrance, fearing the aim of the plan is to accommodate lorries used to set up more large-scale events that risk causing further harm to what is Newcastle’s oldest public park.
Friends group raises objections
In an objection letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, friends group chair Marion Williams wrote: “The entrance does not need widening for essential maintenance vehicles that have been using this access for years without problem, it is to accommodate the large vehicles entering the park in August for a music event and November through to January for the Northern Lights. Events that are inappropriate for a Grade ll listed Victorian Park in a residential and Conservation Area where vehicular movements would ideally be limited and noise aggravation discouraged.”
The former Blakelaw councillor warned that the “totally inappropriate” large trucks used to bring in stages, fencing, and other equipment needed for big events caused damage to trees, grass, and the park’s Victorian tiled gullies. She added: “It most definitely will not 'enhance the long-term conservation and functionality of Leazes Park' but will further add to its demise.”
Council defends restoration plans
The city council resumed control of Newcastle’s parks last year, following financial concerns over the future of charity Urban Green. Local authority bosses said on Thursday that the purpose of the planned works on Richardson Road was to ensure safe access for larger modern vehicles, prevent any further damage, and “build a long term restoration of this important entrance to a historical park as quickly as possible”.
The plans include the demolition and reinstatement of boundary wall and metal railings on both sides of the Richardson Road entrance, as well as the repair and repositioning of the stone pillars.
A council spokesperson added: “We are proud of Leazes Park’s Victorian heritage and it is one of the crown jewels in the city, as proved by its Green Flag Award. Work to improve it is part of the £1.4 million earmarked by the new leader to improve parks and green spaces, while additional work is ongoing in Leazes Park to bring in a new operator for the café.
“There have been a number of events held in the park, such as the popular Northern Lights which is returning this winter, which not only bring thousands of people to the park and help boost the local economy, but also create a wider appeal for residents and visitors to enjoy our fantastic green spaces.
“However, we acknowledge the need to balance this with protecting the heritage of one of city’s much loved parks and are committed to working with Friends of groups to make sure their voices are heard. We appreciate the work these volunteers do alongside our own staff in the parks and green spaces around the city.
“The new administration has been meeting with some of these groups to see how we can work in partnership going forward. The final decision on the application will sit with the independent members of planning committee.”
It follows recent complaints that Leazes Park is now without a cafe and public toilets, as well as long-standing concerns over its derelict keepers’ lodge. This weekend the park will be hosting concerts with McFly and the Human League, either side of the returning Noughty 90s festival.
