Shropshire Star

Parky McParkface? Public invited to help choose new Shrewsbury park's name

People are being asked to help find a name for a new park planned for Shrewsbury town centre, but there's a raft of rules you'll need to follow.

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Shropshire Council has asked Salopians to submit suggestions for the name of Roushill’s new park, ahead of construction beginning in early 2025.

The public is being encouraged to submit suggestions before the end of November to be considered.

Shropshire Council, alongside development partners RivingtonHark and the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, will then release a shortlist of the best suggestions for a final public vote in January, with the winning name revealed in February.

The new park will form the first part of the £18.7 million redevelopment of the area between Smithfield Road, Roushill, and The Darwin Shopping Centre, funded by the UK Government.

Demolition of the former Riverside Shopping Centre and medical practice has now entered its final stage in order to make way for the ambition project.

An artist impression of the new park
An artists impression of the new park

The park will feature play equipment, sunken rain gardens, seating, and a lawn and event area. The council said it will provide "a calm, relaxing space just a few minutes from the bustle of Shrewsbury’s high street".

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader, said:  “The new park will be a space for everyone to enjoy, and we thought it was only fitting that Salopians get the final say on its name. 

"We want the public to get creative with their suggestions - Shrewsbury is a special place with plenty to celebrate, so we can’t wait to hear what people propose.” 

There are a few rules to follow however. Names cannot be named after another place in Shrewsbury, promote a company or use any insulting words, numbers or special characters.

Park names should also be easy to pronounce and spell in order to avoid confusion in emergency situations. 

It also cannot be named after any living person, or have any royal connotation - as that requires consent from the royal family. 

To see the full list of rules and to submit a suggestion, visit: smithfieldriverside.com/have-your-say.