South Tyneside Council (STC) has announced that Bath-based landscape architects Grant Associates have been appointed to design a new £1.5m waterfront park in South Shields.

The practice will work alongside the local authority on the detailed design for the new park, which will be located between South Shields ferry landing and the Customs House. Grant Associates' vision for the new park includes curved embankments with "colourful" planted areas and sheltered gardens.

It is anticipated that landscaping of the Harton Staithes site will commence in October, with a scheduled completion date for the scheme of late 2012. STC lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration Michael Clare said: "The park will be a beautiful open waterfront space that local people can enjoy, whether they want to stroll and watch the boats go by, find a sheltered spot to relax or stop for a cup of coffee.

"It will connect with the nearby South Shields town centre, and provide a superb setting for new restaurants, cafes, offices and a hotel, acting as a catalyst for major private sector investment in the area while protecting much-loved views of the River Tyne."