Colliery site park and museum work begins

Mounds of former spoil heaps form part the topography of Albany Park

Work is to start on a regeneration scheme at a park reclaimed from the remnants of a former colliery.

Woodland management and replanting in Albany Park, Washington, forms the first stage of a £4.6m project.

The plans also include work at the F-Pit Museum, which tells the history of mining in the area.

John Price, Sunderland City Council’s Member for Vibrant City, said it would "preserve the future of a fantastic site".

The plans include a new heritage centre at Washington's F-Pit museum

Washington F-Pit once employed over 1,500 men, but closed in 1968.

Albany Park was created among the spoil heaps left from decades of mining.

The first phase of the regeneration project will see the removal of dead and diseased plants, followed by tree, shrub and wildflower planting.

Architects have also been appointed to prepare designs for the development of the museum, including a visitor centre and cafe.

There will also be a new play park and car park.

“The F-Pit Museum has been a key landmark in the area for decades," Mr Price said.

"We want to protect and preserve the site so it can be enjoyed by residents for many more."

Construction of the visitor centre is expected to get under way in 2025.