A MEMORIAL garden is to be built to celebrate the life of Sir Bobby Robson.

The tribute to the former Newcastle United manager will be on a site in the heart of Newcastle, only yards away from his beloved St James’ Park.

The plans were announced yesterday by Newcastle City Council and business improvement company NE1Ltd, which will be working together to create the memorial.

The council and NE1Ltd will also work with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to create the garden, which will be built on land opposite the city’s Chinese Arch, in Gallowgate.

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.

Sir Bobby’s widow, Lady Elsie Robson, said: “We were very touched by the idea and now the timing feels right.

“We’re impressed with the early proposal 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 just in the shadow of St James’ Park in the heart of the city, is very appropriate.”

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, said: “Dad loved doing his gardening and being out in the garden, looking after his lawn.

“So the memorial garden is very fitting. It’s going to be near the football ground as well, which everyone knows dad loved.”