Covering 13.7 hectares of parkland and 5.3 hectares of riverfront, the park will be made up of five areas; Southern Gateway, Kingsley Gardens, Galley's Gill, Lambton Riverside, and Wearmouth Riverside.
Situated between the Riverside multi-storey car park and new Eye Hospital, the first phase is Southern Gateway, which will comprise a new park entrance, landscaped spaces, ponds, and social areas designed to increase biodiversity and encourage public use.
With a new park on the horizon, we’ve taken a look at the fascinating history of our existing parks, from those built on reclaimed former colliery sites to a park built in response to the cholera epidemic.
13. Thompson Park, Southwick
There's been major investments at Thompson Park to improve its offering. Sports lovers can enjoy bowling greens, tennis courts, and football pitches, while little ones can explore a well-equipped play area. Photo: JPI Media
14. Barnes Park
The land for Barnes Park was bought in 1904 by the Borough of Sunderland for £8,500. Work commenced on the site in 1907 and it was officially opened on 6 August 1909. The park underwent a major £3.6million revamp which was completed in 2011. Historic features, including the band stand, were restored as well as new adventure play areas created. It's the largest park in the city. Photo: JPI Media
15. Barley Mow, Hendon
Not as well-known as its sister park, Backhouse Park, Barley Mow still has plenty of historic features worth exploring including its impressive entrance gate. Photo: Kevin Brady
16. West Park, East Herrington
West Park was at the heart of a major campaign after it was identified in housing plan proposals in recent years. High profile former Herrington residents including footballer Jordan Henderson and boxer Tony Jeffries backed the community campaign to save the park - which was successful. Former Black Cats midfielder Henderson said: "I have great memories of my time living in Herrington, and along with my mates spent many happy hours playing football in the park as a youngster and honing the skills that have helped to take me to where I am today. It would alter the whole ‘feeling’ of an area that so many of us have a great affection for." Photo: JPI Media