Sunderland campaigners welcome £500k restoration of Roker Park bandstand
Written by Jiarui Liang on 30th October 2024
Plans to restore a historic Sunderland bandstand have been given the go-ahead.
Built in 1880, the Roker Park bandstand has served as an important site for community activities as a Victorian-era free public facility. However, due to ageing and disrepair, the 144-year-old bandstand was temporarily closed in 2021 to ensure safety.
Sunderland Council has now agreed to spend more than £500,000 on restoring the bandstand to its former glory.
Julia Jackson, of Friends of Roker Park, welcomed the upcoming restoration of the bandstand and is already planning future events for the space.
She said: “We’re delighted to see the bandstand being restored. Given the historical significance of this cherished landmark, it undoubtedly requires specialized expertise. It’s a valued feature of a much-loved park.
“I feel this is an appropriate use of public money as it is a well-loved feature of a much-loved park.”
The overall Roker Park transformation project has cost £1.6 million so far, with the bandstand and lodge restoration contract estimated at £554,190, funded through capital allocations for parks, open spaces, and planned property maintenance.
In addition to the bandstand restoration, the performance area around it will be expanded to create more opportunities for park events.
In a report submitted on October 17, the council’s cabinet approved the procurement and awarding of a restoration contract for the Roker Park bandstand and lodge.
Although the bandstand’s refurbishment was originally scheduled to begin in 2022, Sunderland City Council prioritized the construction of a new café and “Changing Places” accessible restroom facilities to attract more visitors and enhance their experience.
A music-themed artwork celebrating Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage has also been installed behind the new open-air theatre seating in the park.
The artwork features lyrics from lake poet Marty Longstaff’s song Shipyards, widely known as the theme song for Netflix’s Sunderland ’til I Die, and also pays tribute to his late grandfather who worked in the shipyards.
Mrs Jackson added that they are planning to invite local musicians to perform at the restored bandstand and to use the venue for seasonal activities.