Plans for memorial to Sir Bobby Robson are unveiled
Jul 27 2010 by Sara Nichol, The Journal
PLANS for a memorial to football legend Sir Bobby Robson in the shadow of St James's Park have been published.
The memorial garden will be created close to Newcastle United’s ground where Sir Bobby watched his heroes play as a child before returning, aged 66 in 1999, to become one of the club’s best-loved managers.
After Sir Bobby was diagnosed with cancer for a fifth time, he vowed to raise cash to fund the fight against the disease, and he lived to see a research centre in Newcastle open in his name last year.
Football’s great and good paid tribute to the former Fulham, Ipswich and England manager when he died a year ago aged 76.
Newcastle City Council and the regeneration company NE1Ltd will create the garden on Gallowgate in an aim to pay tribute to his lengthy career.
Sir Bobby’s widow, Lady Robson, said: “Newcastle City Council came to my family and I some months ago regarding a lasting memorial to my husband in the city. We were very touched by the proposal and now the timing feels right.
“We’re impressed with the early ideas the council has developed for the memorial garden.
“It will feature elements of Bob’s career from his early days down the mine right up to his work for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
“I’m sure Bob would have approved of it too and its location, sitting in the shadow of St James’s Park in the heart of the city, is very appropriate.”
Newcastle City Council deputy leader David Faulkner said: “I am personally delighted that our city can support the development of this memorial which celebrates Sir Bobby’s exceptional life and work.
“He was loved by all and it is a fitting tribute, and will be a long-lasting legacy for the people of Newcastle and football fans everywhere.”
Adrian Waddell, operations manager for NE1Ltd, added: “NE1Ltd is delighted to be providing the foundations for this new park and we are extremely proud to be playing our part in creating a memorial for Sir Bobby who did so much for this city.”
At this stage it isn’t known exactly how the complete space will look, but one idea is to have a series of stone plinths within the garden that will feature images from Sir Bobby’s life and work.
The groundworks to create a basic garden will be complete by September and then the council will work with an artist and the foundation to commission the plinth designs.
The final project will be complete by next spring.
It is hoped the garden will provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and an area for people to relax and reflect.
