Plans to create a memorial garden in the heart of Newcastle to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Robson have been announced today by Newcastle City Council.

PLANS to create a memorial garden in the heart of Newcastle to pay tribute to legendary former Ipswich Town boss Sir Bobby Robson have been announced today.

Newcastle City Council announced the plans and will work with business improvement company NE1Ltd and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to create the garden.

It will be built on land near Newcastle United’s St James’ Park stadium on Gallowgate.

The aim of the garden is to provide a peaceful space for reflection in the heart of the city.

Details are still being developed, but one idea is to have a series of stone plinths within the garden that will feature images from Sir Bobby’s remarkable life and work.

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’ Park in the heart of the city, is very appropriate.”

Sir Bobby is warmly remembered locally for guiding Ipswich Town to FA Cup and UEFA Cup triumphs.

He later went on to manage England, Barcelona and Newcastle.