Plans to restore 144-year-old bandstand

Work could begin on the Roker Park bandstand later this year

A 144-year-old Grade II listed bandstand could be restored three years after it was closed due to safety concerns.

Sunderland City Council is seeking planning permission to refurbish and repair the bandstand in Roker Park.

In March 2022 officials said work on the bandstand would be completed within 12 months, but it was pushed back by other park developments.

The council now says it wants to "reinstate its use as a place for the community".

The local authority said there had been delays to the bandstand works as it was simultaneously working on a new café in the park, as well as restoring its boating lake.

"This avoided having too much construction work going on at once," a spokesperson said.

If approved, work is set to begin later this year and will cost about £234,000, according to planning documents.

This will include roof and metalwork repairs to the bandstand, which was constructed in 1880, with the possibility of creating a seating area around it.