Barnes Park is one of the largest of the Sunderland’s green spaces and a green lung for the west of the city. It is steeped in history and has always been extremely popular, so the challenge was to improve it in a way which was in keeping with modern needs, while remaining sympathetic to the historic fabric of the park.

The project was designed to restore the park’s main features and re-connect local people and visiting public with this fantastic public amenity. It aimed to provide new opportunities for learning within the park environment, as well as develop new skills with established and new users and volunteer groups

The park is now one of the most accessible in the region, and the only park in the north east which is equipped with disabled changing facilities. It has benefited from a raft of improvements, including restoration of original features such as the cannon and the bandstand, as well as new play areas and a sensory garden.