Tours of Roker Pier and tunnel in Sunderland set to resume once repairs are
Roker Pier Tours Set to Resume After Repairs
Tours of Roker Pier and its historic tunnel are expected to resume later this year following extensive repairs to the landmark. The Roker Heritage Group, which operates the tours, had to halt them after Storm Babet caused £200,000 in damage in October 2023. The pier has remained closed since then, but plans for repairs were approved in January, with work anticipated to start this spring.
Restoration and Tour Details
The restoration of Roker Pier is estimated to take around 12 weeks. Most of the repairs will focus on replacing granite coping stones and fixing the deck area. Fortunately, the tunnel and the lighthouse’s interior sustained minimal damage. The Roker Heritage Group, run by dedicated volunteers, is eager to welcome visitors back later this summer.
The tours, which guide visitors through the tunnel beneath the pier and up to the lighthouse, are a popular attraction during the spring and summer months. They often sell out quickly once dates are announced. Maureen McCartney, a volunteer with the Roker Heritage Group, expressed excitement about resuming the tours. She noted that visitors come from as far away as Australia, and many are amazed by the experience.
In the meantime, the group is hosting a series of talks to give potential visitors a preview of what to expect when the tours resume. The pier, constructed between 1885 and 1903, is a Grade II-listed structure and a significant feat of engineering. It was built at a cost of £290,000, equivalent to about £32 million today, and was designed by local hero Henry Hay Wake. The Roker Heritage Group is committed to preserving this vital piece of Sunderland’s maritime history and ensuring that future generations appreciate its significance.
