 This Eden-like grove and parkland, complete with sandy beach appears like a mirage down a long tree-lined drive in the midst of an industrial area.
A string of well-shaded picnic tables, BBQs and shelters line the cliff overlooking the river and nearby Gateway Bridge and a sturdy wooden staircase leads down to the sheltered bay below.
The children’s playgrounds add to the charm with their Miro-esque sea sculptures and a rainbow coloured obstacle bridge.
 Once inside the only reminder that this is an industrial zone is the red brick factory and gothic chimney stack of Heinz Smallgoods factory which flanks the western side. Built in 1917 on the one time site of the Bubonic Plague Hospital, the former lime acetate factory has had other incarnations including a World War II ammunitions store and migrant hostel. Today a fish market occupies the river frontage, providing a handy source of fresh BBQ fodder.
|
