Latest news with #KevinJohnston
BBC News
12-08-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sunderland's Roker Pier reopens after near two-year closure
A pier damaged by Storm Babet in 2023 has reopened to the public, who were treated to the sight of dolphins Roker Pier has been closed for nearly two years after it suffered "significant structural damage".Part of the path on the Grade II listed structure had broken off and 300ft (91m) of railings were washed away during the October City Council said the pier was safe to use again after repairs - costing about £236,000 and carried out over four months - were completed. Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business, said the pier was one of the city's "prize assets" and repair works were a "complex marine civil engineering job".He said work, which began in April, could only have realistically been completed outside of the winter months. "We don't know in the future how severe storms will be but we're confident that the works can stand the test of time," he said."We are all very proud of our pier and this has all been another chapter in its long history." Planning approval for the repair programme was granted in included replacing corroded and missing steel components, repairing concrete and fixing the decking, railings and support structures. New life buoys and safety signage have also been pier was first opened to the public in 1903 after taking 18 years to build and has been a popular spot for visitors and tourists over the Moorhead, 41, from Washington, visited the pier for the first time during its reopening, despite living on Wearside. "I've lived in Washington for 37 years but this is my first time ever on Roker Pier and it won't be my last. What a day it's been," she said. "The dolphins came up to the pier, it was almost like they knew about it reopening, it was such a special feeling."North East-based Southbay Civil Engineering Limited was contracted for the pier's repairs, having previously worked on deck slab replacement works there in Johnston added: "Looking at the repairs, I think one of the most striking aspects is probably the new concrete decking on the pier head."He also confirmed the pier's tunnel tours would make a access to the pier will continue to be restricted in adverse weather conditions in the interests of public safety, the council confirmed. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
06-08-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Transformation planned for Sunderland high street
The transformation of a city's high street is being planned by its for a mix of shops, business spaces and flats across four plots on Sunderland's High Street West were submitted on proposals form part of Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, which includes the New Wear Footbridge and the creation of connections between the new residential development sites at Sheepfolds, Vaux and Farringdon City Council councillor Kevin Johnston said the developments would "renew" the street by "restoring and retaining some valuable heritage features, and bringing new life and vibrancy". The plans include the removal of the footbridge connecting High Street West with St Mary's Car council said the spaces would "build on the investments in Culture House, the Flower Cafe, the Three Stories and Elephant Team Rooms which are beginning to redefine and re-energise this important city street".Mr Johnston said: "It is a vital part of our ambition to support our businesses, generate more jobs, provide more high-quality new homes and create more leisure destinations which attract people to live, work, and play in our city centre."Developer Capital and Centric said it was chosen to work the council to create "an exciting new mixed-use neighbourhood".Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland BID, said the plots would "bring vibrancy and footfall and connect the existing retail offer" in the city. The planning application will be discussed later this year. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Repairs start on Grade II listed bandstand
Repairs have started on a Victorian bandstand which has been fenced off for years. The Grade II listed structure, in Sunderland's Roker Park, was closed for safety reasons in 2021. Work to bring it back to its former glory were approved last year. David Laws, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said he "almost had a tear" in his eye when he saw scaffolding going up on Thursday. "I was over the moon," the 76-year-old said. Mr Laws said he remembered brass bands playing at the bandstand on Sundays. "I felt disgusted that it was being left to go to rack and ruin and not being looked after," he said. "It's part of our heritage. It should be looked after and passed on to the next generation." The bandstand dates back to 1880 and is recognised for a range of features, including its ornamental railings and central cupola. Sunderland City Council said repairs will help make the most of the area, with other improvements - including restoring the boating lake and a new cafe - also being made at the park. Back in early 2023, plans were approved for amphitheatre seating near the bandstand to restore it to being the "beating heart of the park once again", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business, said: "The work on the repair, restoration and conservation of the bandstand and former park keeper's lodge will allow us to complete the current £1.6m regeneration of Roker Park, as well as helping to make the most of the area around the historic bandstand and maximise its use as a performance space." It has not been confirmed when the work to the bandstand will be finished. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Bandstand set for repairs after plans approved Music-themed artwork installed in city park Sunderland City Council
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Repairs on Roker Park's Grade II-listed bandstand begin
Repairs have started on a Victorian bandstand which has been fenced off for Grade II listed structure, in Sunderland's Roker Park, was closed for safety reasons in to bring it back to its former glory were approved last Laws, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said he "almost had a tear" in his eye when he saw scaffolding going up on Thursday. "I was over the moon," the 76-year-old said. Mr Laws said he remembered brass bands playing at the bandstand on Sundays."I felt disgusted that it was being left to go to rack and ruin and not being looked after," he said."It's part of our heritage. It should be looked after and passed on to the next generation." The bandstand dates back to 1880 and is recognised for a range of features, including its ornamental railings and central cupola. Sunderland City Council said repairs will help make the most of the area, with other improvements - including restoring the boating lake and a new cafe - also being made at the in early 2023, plans were approved for amphitheatre seating near the bandstand to restore it to being the "beating heart of the park once again", the Local Democracy Reporting Service Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business, said: "The work on the repair, restoration and conservation of the bandstand and former park keeper's lodge will allow us to complete the current £1.6m regeneration of Roker Park, as well as helping to make the most of the area around the historic bandstand and maximise its use as a performance space."It has not been confirmed when the work to the bandstand will be finished. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Repairs to Sunderland's storm-hit Roker Pier under way
Repair work on a pier badly damaged by Storm Babet in October 2023 is now under Grade II listed Roker Pier in Sunderland has been off limits to the public after 300ft (100m) of railings were washed away and some of the path at the pier head broke council said the scheme was costing in the region of £236,000 and it was aiming to reopen the site by the end of work will include replacing corroded and missing steel components, repairing concrete and fixing the decking, railings and support structures. Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration, described the damage as significant, adding it had been difficult to assess during winter months with planning processes then adding to the timescale."Hopefully over a 12-week period we can get the pier open for everyone to enjoy," Johnston said."We've had to wait for the right season for them to take place. Even in May the winds are quite strong."Benjamin Leng, senior project manager for South Bay Civil Engineering which is carrying out the repairs, said new coping stones and pavement would be drilled into the existing concrete structure to "anchor" them and prevent them being washed away by future storms. Walkers have previously been warned to stay off the pier after a gate lock was cut of people were seen wandering along the structure shortly after Christmas. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
