Repairs to storm-hit pier under way
Sunderland City CouncilRepair work on a pier badly damaged by Storm Babet in October 2023 is now under way.
The Grade II listed Roker Pier in Sunderland has been off limits to the public after 300ft (100m) of railings were washed away and some of the path at the pier head broke off.
The council said the scheme was costing in the region of £236,000 and it was aiming to reopen the site by the end of July.
The work will include replacing corroded and missing steel components, repairing concrete and fixing the decking, railings and support structures.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration, described the damage as significant, adding it had been difficult to assess during winter months with planning processes then adding to the timescale.
"Hopefully over a 12-week period we can get the pier open for everyone to enjoy," Johnston said.
"We've had to wait for the right season for them to take place. Even in May the winds are quite strong."
Benjamin Leng, senior project manager for South Bay Civil Engineering which is carrying out the repairs, said new coping stones and pavement would be drilled into the existing concrete structure to "anchor" them and prevent them being washed away by future storms.
Sunderland City CouncilWalkers have previously been warned to stay off the pier after a gate lock was cut open.
Dozens of people were seen wandering along the structure shortly after Christmas.