Seafront Regeneration Project

The fabulous coastline and golden beaches at Roker and Seaburn are among the city's best features. To inform the future direction of the seafront a city wide public consultation was undertaken between 16 February and 3 April 2009 to find out what the people who live in, work in and visit Sunderland feel should be the vision for the future of the seafront. The results of this consultation - contained in the Seafront Consultation Findings Report - have informed the development a draft Seafront Regeneration Strategy, and a more detailed masterplan for Marine Walk.

The Seafront Regeneration Strategy is an overarching document to guide the development of Seaburn and Roker seafront. The strategy identifies four main character areas which are Ocean Park; Seaburn Promenade; Cliff Park and Recreation Park; and Marine Walk.

The Marine Walk Masterplan aims to revive Roker's rich cultural heritage by taking inspiration from its unique and distinctive built heritage and natural environment. Proposals include creating new events spaces, lighting key features and providing more educational and retail facilities.

The draft Strategy and Masterplan underwent public consultation between 8 August and 18 September 2009.  Following the consultation period the documents were amended as necessary. The documents were adopted by the city council as planning and investment guidance for Seaburn and Roker seafront in February 2010.

Project update

Seaburn

Area Committees have allocated £142,000 in funding to allow improvements to the public space at Seaburn seafront. Improvements will include new street furniture such as seating and litter bins. In addition £16,000 in funding has been allocated by North Area Committee to install Vehicle Activated Signs along Whitburn Road.

Marine Walk - Sea Change

Sunderland City Council has been successful in a bid to the Commission of Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) Sea Change fund, which aims to regenerate seafronts through investment in culture, heritage and public space. £1 million has been awarded, which with £500,000 match funding from the council, will allow the delivery of the first phase of the Marine Walk Masterplan. The plans for Marine Walk include the creation of events spaces, the development of a heritage trail, installation of a lighting scheme, and creation of an education space. Many of these ideas were generated by members of the public who took part in consultations earlier in 2009. 

New Roker Pier gates, the winning design... 

A winning design has been chosen for new gates to frame the entrance to Sunderland's Grade II listed Roker Pier.

Fiona Heron's 'Lightwave' was described as 'clean, clear, contemporary, and classy' by the public who were invited to submit comments through the Sunderland Echo, by post and online through the council's website. It was the most popular design, which people thought would enhance the appearance of the pier and lighthouse.

The gate design includes a series of polished stainless steel posts and toughened glass panels to capture and reflect natural light. A brass-framed porthole in the gate also creates a direct connection to the lighthouse and its beam.

Winner Fiona, whose work spans art, landscape architecture, sculpture, and fine art photography, said:

"I'm very pleased to have been chosen for this prestigious commission. Sunderland has a historic seafront with beautiful qualities and a unique lighthouse. It is also a place of great local seaside memories. I hope to help re-invigorate the scene with an exciting high quality artwork which brings out the best in art and design."

"Lightwave aims to capture the spirit of place using ideas of reflection and movement linked with the sea and the effect of light on glass prisms. I will be working with local fabricators to continue the regional engineering tradition."

Roker Pier and Lighthouse is a Grade II listed structure of special architectural and scientific interest. The pier took 18 years to build and opened in 1903.