Repairs to Sunderland piers to cost nearly £2m

Damage to the three piers is expected to cost £1.8m to repair

Repairs to three piers damaged during Storm Babet will cost nearly £2m to fix.

Sunderland's coastal defences were significantly damaged in the October storms.

Old North Pier, New South Pier and Roker Pier are in need of urgent repairs to prevent further damage and to keep the port functioning.

Sunderland City Council is now being asked to reallocate funds earmarked for the Nobles Quay Reconstruction scheme.

A report prepared ahead of the council cabinet's meeting on Thursday estimates the repair bill to be £1.8m, including £300,000 of contingency.

It said emergency work started on new South Pier in December 2023, with a price tag of £1m.

Large chunks of the 2,790ft (850m) pier came off during the storms, on both the upper and lower decks.

Emergency repairs are due to be completed this month.

Work to begin

It is hoped the new work to stop further damage to all three piers can start in June, if the funding is allocated.

The cost of repairs to Roker Pier, which is heritage listed, is estimated at £200,000 and work to Old North Pier is expected to cost £300,000.

The report says Old North Pier protects Marine Walk Beach, which in turn, protects the residential properties.

In February, the council approved a budget of £3m for the reconstruction works to Nobles Quay.

However, only £200,000 is needed for "immediate" work, according to the council.

The council will discuss reallocating £1.8m to the three piers.