Cramlington dementia project springing into life

Work has started on a new dementia garden and park in Cramlington, delivered by Cramlington Town Council and funded by Northumberland County Council.

The park  will include a specially designed garden with features to meet the additional needs of residents, their families and carers affected by dementia  and work has begun on the project following the County Council’s Cabinet approval of £255,370 funding  –  part of the £3.5 million regeneration programme in the town.

Located on Cumbrian Road on the site formally used as Parkside Middle School Playing Field, the site is now owned by the Town Council who have developed the project with the help of specialist designers.

This project aims to create a new area called Coronation Park, with a sensory garden designed to meet the needs of people suffering with dementia. Future phases of the project will include communal allotments, orchard, ecological areas and an informal play area.

Work on the project is underway and is expected to be completed in Spring 2025 with further news on when the new Garden will be open to the public.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for business and opportunities at Northumberland County Council, said: “Many of us have had family or friends who have been affected by dementia and this is a wonderful project which will improve many people’s quality of life in the area.”

Councillor Mark Swinburn, Town and County Councillor for Cramlington Village, said: “It’s a fantastic scheme which will revitalise this neglected area and create a really special place for families and carers affected by dementia.”

Councillor Helen Morris, Mayor for Cramlington Town Council said: “This project is another of our early-wins for the town regeneration programme along with the improvements to Alexandra Park and the Youth Zone – we’re looking forward to this area being transformed.”

Funded by the County Council and delivered by Cramlington Town Council, it’s one of the early projects as part of the Cramlington Regeneration Programme which is investing in a range of projects to improve the town.  This includes cycling and walking corridors, green spaces and parks and youth provision.  Of the £3.5m Programme over £1.2m of project funding has now been approved by the Council.

In the longer term further projects are being developed to respond to the issues about the town centre and community and sports facilities. Investment in study work will identify options to improve access and parking, public realm and green spaces and connectivity in and out of the centre on public transport as well as community sport and recreation facilities in the town.

The programme has been shaped in partnership with the Cramlington Town Forum. The Forum is a partnership of Cramlington Town Council, County Council, Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Advance Northumberland, Northumbria Police and a range of public, private and community stakeholders in the town.

Pictured: Cramlingon Town Mayor Councillor Helen Morris and Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson with some of those involved in the creation of the new dementia garden.