Bandstand return delayed to 'later this summer'

5 hours ago

Jason Arunn MurugesuNorth East and Cumbria

Roker bandstand had previously been wrapped in scaffolding before it was removed completely for repairs

BBC Roker Bandstand is covered in scaffolding and surrounded by wooden and metal fencing. It has an ornamental dome-like roof which peeks out above the scaffolding. The ground is wet and the sky is light grey. Large trees behind and to the side of the bandstand are in full leaf. — Roker bandstand had previously been wrapped in scaffolding before it was removed completely for repairs

The delayed return of a park's Victorian bandstand, removed for repairs last year having been out of action since 2021, has been pushed back to a rough date of "later this summer".

The Grade II listed structure in Roker Park, Sunderland, which had been fenced off for years awaiting a revamp, was dismantled and taken to a workshop for renovation work ahead of a planned reopening this spring.

The bandstand has yet to return to public view and Sunderland City Council has declined to set a specific date.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "It's not unusual for projects of this nature to take longer than anticipated given the painstaking and specialist work involved."

Works to the bandstand, which dates back to the 1880s, include shot blasting the cast-iron structure to remove grime and repainting the exposed cast iron and metalwork.

There will also be a new zinc roof covering and tiled floor, while the base will be repainted.