Bandstand will 'return to park in spring'

The bandstand has been covered in scaffolding since May

A Victorian bandstand will return to its usual spot in a park next spring after being repaired elsewhere, a council has confirmed.

The structure, in Roker Park, Sunderland, has been fenced off for four years awaiting a revamp.

Works officially started in May when scaffolding was erected, but Labour-run Sunderland City Council announced last week the bandstand was going to be removed and restored at a workshop, rather than at the park.

It left some residents concerned they would not see the Grade II-listed structure again, but the local authority has now confirmed it would be back next spring.

Cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration Kevin Johnston said workshop repairs would allow for "a much more comprehensive restoration" than on site.

Works will take place over the winter months and will include shot blasting the cast-iron structure to remove grime and repainting the exposed cast iron and metalwork.

"Any damaged decorative cast iron panelling and railings will also be repaired or replaced at this point, along with timber ceiling joists and ring beams and cladding when the bandstand is reconstructed on site next spring," Johnston said.

"We'll also be adding a new zinc roof covering and new tiled floor and repainting the base."

The Roker Park bandstand is nearly 150 years old

Repairs to the 1880s bandstand were approved in July 2024 and officially started in May of this year.

But local resident David Laws said progress had been slow.

The 76-year-old, who recalls brass bands playing at the bandstand on Sundays, said the structure had been "neglected" for years.

"I fear that it will be declared too expensive to repair when removed," Mr Laws said.

"The scaffolding has been there since May and no work has been done, the area around it has just been used to store contractors equipment."

The exact cost of the works has not been confirmed. Sunderland City Council has said it is part of the £1.6m upgrade of Roker Park, which also includes restoration of the waterfall and the boating lake, a new cafe and an amphitheatre.

Johnston added: "I think it's going to look fantastic once the work to restore it to its former glory is complete .

"I can't wait to see it once again taking pride of place in Roker Park."