Latest news with #Tyne&WearBuildingPreservationTrust
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Safe route' allows reopening of damaged structure
A historical timber structure on the River Tyne is to reopen to the public this weekend after a "safe route" was found on damaged decking. More than 130 years old and previously used to load coal on to ships, Dunston Staiths, at Gateshead, had been due to open earlier this month for the first of a series of events during spring and summer. However, the first open day was cancelled, with the Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) saying damage had been found in some areas due to be accessed by visitors. It has now confirmed an event on Saturday will go ahead, with groups of 10 led by staff and volunteers between 18:00 BST and dusk. TWBPT, which took on responsibility for the structure in the 1990s, previously said without repairs, the damage "could result in trip hazards and other safety risks". The issues were identified by a structural engineer late last month as part of an assessment of the effects of winter weather. Describing the decision to open the structure this weekend as "good news", the organisation said: "To address their concerns about trip hazards for visitors, the team have planned a safe route on the Staiths for small, guided groups. "This different approach to public access might mean the Staiths can also open for the other planned open days between now and September, including the next one on 7 June, if temporary repairs can be completed in time." Kari Vickers, deputy manager at the trust, said there had been an "incredibly supportive" public response when the previous event's cancellation was announced. She added: "It's clear that people really value Dunston Staiths and how significant it is to our local heritage. "We all want it to be an active part of the future of this area so we'll keep exploring ways to keep it open and safe for people to discover and enjoy." The staiths was previously one of 30 along the river in the days when the north-east of England supplied coal to the world. At more than 500m (1,650ft) in length, it is reputedly the largest timber structure in Europe and is now part of the nine-mile (14km) Tyne Derwent Way trail connecting sites along the river, including St Mary's Heritage Centre and the Gibside estate. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. 'Decay' found on river's historical timber structure A symbol of the past fighting for its future Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust The Late Shows
BBC News
30-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dunston Staiths open day cancelled over 'decay and damage'
Decay and damage on a historical timber structure on the River Tyne have forced the cancellation of its public than 130 years old and previously used to load coal on to ships, Dunston Staiths, at Gateshead, had been due to open on Saturday for the first of a series of open days during spring and Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) said damage had been found in some areas that had been due to be accessed by said it hoped to be able to carry out repairs in time to open in the weeks ahead. The structure is part of the nine-mile (14km) Tyne Derwent Way trail connecting sites along the river, including St Mary's Heritage Centre and the Gibside has previously staged a number of open days between May and September. 'Cracks and gaps' TWBPT, which took on responsibility for the structure in the 1990s, said without repairs, the damage "could result in trip hazards and other safety risks". The organisation's Kari Vickers said the issues were identified by a structural engineer on Tuesday as part of an assessment of the effects of the weather over winter."The decking on the top and lower decks is decades old, and because it's wood and because of its age, it's rotting," she explained."There are cracks and gaps getting through."The overall structure of the staiths is solid, it's more potential slip and trip hazards with the decking, the steps and handrails."We're going to have a detailed look this week and look at what we can do to get it open again this season." The staiths was previously one of 30 along the river in the days when the north-east of England supplied coal to the more than 500m (1,650ft) in length, it is reputedly the largest timber structure in restored ahead of the 1990 National Garden Festival, which was staged on the adjoining land, it has since been hit by several arson years ago, the National Trust entered into partnership with the TWBPT to establish what it described as a "sustainable future" for the staiths. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
