Latest news with #RokerPier
BBC News
4 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Five Wearside stories you might have missed
A new lease of life for a disused church, repairs of a much-loved pier and the start of a year of music - these are just some of the things that made the news this week. Here are five Wearside stories you might have missed. Repair work on Roker Pier in Sunderland is now under way. The Grade II-listed structure was badly damaged by Storm Babet in October 2023. It has been off limits to the public since 300ft (100m) of railings were washed away and some of the path at the pier head broke off. The council said the scheme was costing in the region of £236,000 and it was aiming to reopen the site by the end of July. Find out more about the works here. Volunteers have been awarded the highest honour their local authority can grant for outstanding services to the community. Chester-le-Street residents John Adey and Jimmy Carroll were among those given a Chairman's Medal by Durham County Council thanks to their community efforts to commemorate those from the borough who have fought and died in wars. The pair were instrumental in creating the town's Remembrance memorial and annual parade, offering residents opportunities to reflect and pay their respects. Also recognised were volunteers from the Open Door Church for their support for vulnerable residents across Willington. A film festival has returned with its biggest programme yet, according to bosses. The Sunderland Shorts Film Festival, which is now in its 10th year, will show more than 200 films at venues across the city centre until Sunday. Festival director Chris Allan said it had seen its most popular year and had received more than 1,100 entries, hundreds more than in 2024. Read more about it here. A historic church building could become an adult learning and arts centre. Sunderland City Council's planning department has approved the change of use of St Mary's Church in South Hylton. The Grade II-listed structure, which sits on the corner of Wear Street and Church Street, dates to the 1800s and has been vacant for some time. Read more about the plans here. Chart-topping indie rockers Franz Ferdinand and acclaimed singer-songwriter Adele Sandé are to kick off a year-long major celebration of music. The two acts will launch the Sunderland Year of Music 2025-2026 in June. It will mark Franz Ferdinand's return to Wearside for the first time in more than a decade, while Sunderland-born Sandé - formerly known as Emeli - will be making her stage debut under her real name. The gigs will kickstart a week of special live events across the city. Read more about it here. Follow BBC North East 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.
