Storm-damaged pier may reopen in August
Getty ImagesA pier which has been closed since storms in October 2023 may finally reopen to the public in August.
Roker Pier was deemed unsafe and closed to the public after it was battered by extreme weather and strong waves during Storm Babet.
Sunderland City Council has now confirmed work to repair to the pier will begin on 24 April and last about three months.
Labour councillor Kevin Johnston said the pier was a "key part of our seafront" and the teamworking on it hoped it would reopen in August, "weather permitting".
The repairs are forecast to cost £236,000 and be complete by 31 July, the local authority said.
The proposed work will include replacing corroded and missing steel components, repairing concrete and fixing the decking, railings and support structures.
Stainless steel and marine-grade concrete will be used to make sure the structure is weather-resistant, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Sunderland City CouncilJohnston said: "This programme is a complex marine engineering job and, weather permitting, we look forward to seeing Roker Pier open again to the public by August."
The works had been delayed until April to avoid disturbing birds, including the ruddy turnstone, which nest along the structure, the council previously said.
Public access to the pier will remain closed throughout the repairs.
Storm Babet caused damage to two other piers along the North East coast, where wind and strong waves hit South Shield's lighthouse so hard its dome washed into the sea.