Museum's leaking roof to be fixed in renovation

Scaffolding has been erected, but the museum will remain open during the repairs

A museum's leaking roof is to be fixed as part of major renovation work to extend the venue's life span.

Staff at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens said they routinely had to put buckets under the leaks in exhibition areas.

The main building, which is Grade II listed, first opened in 1879, but extensions were built in the 1960s and early 2000s.

Sunderland City Council has raised funds and received grants to carry out extensive repairs to the interior, exterior and roof of the original building.

It is hoped the work will extend the life span of the museum

About £349,000 has been raised in Arts Council England grants and the council is spending £116,000 on the work.

Judith Miller, the council's senior conservation officer, said it was vital the remedial work was carried out as soon as possible.

"It's important we look after these landmarks," she said.

"Unfortunately we do have quite a wet climate in the North East, so when we have problems with the holes in the roof, you get lots of leakages."

She said the problems were also present where the original building connects with the more recent extensions.

Leaks have meant some exhibition spaces have been cordoned off

The building has exhibits on Wearside's role in mining and shipbuilding and displays paintings by renowned artist LS Lowry.

However, in recent months some exhibits have had to be relocated because of water leaking into display cases.

Others have been cordoned off, while some back office areas are off limits because of the damage, staff said.

Councillor Beth Jones says work should take several months

The council's cabinet member for communities, tourism and culture, councillor Beth Jones said the venue was an "absolutely vital" part of the city.

She said: "Over the last 12 months we have been able to welcome over 280,000 visitors to the museum."

She said the council remained committed to improving the building, which will stay open when work on the new Culture House exhibition space is finished next year.

"Both [will] perfectly complement each other and we will work on a programme recognising that culture," she added.

The work is due to be completed by February next year.

Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].