Let's Talk Elemore

Elemore Park, Café, Visitor Centre, Heritage and Garden Centre

Plans to transform the former Elemore Golf Course into an Eco Park, Cafe, Garden and Visitor Centre are progressing at pace and this web page continues to be updated to ensure you are able to keep up to date on building developments, events and activities. Please keep checking the page regularly for updates and please sign up to become a Friend of Elemore Park.

Elemore Park is for everyone to enjoy and in particular the local communities surrounding Elemore.

Local residents were asked about what they wanted to see on the Elemore site and they were clear that they wanted to see the site re-used as an open country park, with garden centre and visitor centre facilities.

They also want to see protection for the site's extensive ecology which has developed over time, a reduction in anti-social behaviour and to celebrate the heritage of the area.

Approved works at Elemore include the redevelopment of existing buildings to transform into café facilities, garden centre, visitor centre and community space, including installation of specialist changing places and facilities for residents with severe physical disabilities. Work on the site is continuing and the Café and Garden Centre will be open on Tuesday 11 April 2023.

Elemore Park opening information leaflet (pdf)

The redeveloped Elemore Park will also see improvements to the existing car park, creation of an additional car park, installation of play equipment, seating, signage and a cycling hub. The café and garden centre will be very accessible and will support all residents and communities, the garden centre and café will also support training for adults with disabilities.

As part of its community wealth building strategy, which is all about keeping wealth in local communities, the City Council is also planning to work with local suppliers and contractors wherever possible to make sure that funding generated through the project is retained within the area.

Bishopwearmouth Co-operative Community Interest company are providing the Garden Centre and coffee shop, the Garden Centre will be selling a range of pet care, horticultural sundries, composts, seasonal bedding, house plants, pots and planters. 

The cafe with its panoramic views and outdoor seating area will be serving a selection of healthy options including salads, pastry free quiches, soups, jacket potatoes. Our menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Other treats include cakes, pies, quiches, all homemade on site by our two Chefs Wendy and Julia. Children's menu options are available. Why not try one of our picnic packed lunches which are a great option to take out and explore the park.

For all enquiries call 0191 338 9030 or email enquiries@bishopwearmouth.com.

Why not pop along to Bishopwearmouth Co-operative's other site at Chester Road in Sunderland, SR4 7RS, 0191 514 5826. The Garden Centre and Tearoom are managed by Shaun Donnelly and his team.

During 2022 we have planted hundreds of shrubs and trees as well as cleared waterways, and during 2023 we are undertaking extensive landscape works around the lake, enabling the baby ducklings to move freely onto dry land. Thanks again to the local residents who told us about the needs of the wildlife in the lake.

The project team for Elemore are also working with local Police through the HALO Project to tackle anti-social behaviour around the area. Police are keen to hear about issues at Elemore such as quad bikes; use of air rifles etc. Please contact the Police if you are aware of any issues. We cannot sort it, if you don't report it.

To find out more about the HALO Project, follow the team on Facebook @LetsTalkHALO-Hetton (opens new window). For more information, you can also email the team at LetsTalkHALO@sunderland.gov.uk.