Cost of parking charges at Seaburn's new car park revealed ahead of opening next week

Sunderland City Council says the facility on Dykelands Road, Seaburn, has been built so the area has adequate provision to support its “new and exciting leisure developments.”

As well as STACK Seaburn, which will reopen on Monday, April 12, as the third lockdown eases, it is expected the Seaburn Inn will open within months, while new businesses will launch in the Bay Shelter and a former toilet block this summer.

The car park will offer almost 100 spaces and is due to open on the afternoon of Monday, March 29, with a charge of £3 a day.

It will be accessed from a junction next to Martino’s and is in addition to series of updates to improve access to Seaburn and Roker, with the council investing in a wider £2.32 million programme of landscaping and path upgrades.

The old free car park on Lowry Road, which had 204 spaces, was sold and Avant Homes set to be build houses on the site.

Councillor Graeme Miller, council leader, said: “It is important that we make it as easy as possible for people to visit our seaside, and enjoy its fantastic leisure offer – and in doing so, we create the right conditions for small businesses operating here to succeed.

"We have world-class beaches, and a leisure offer that is developing into something really special.

"We want more and more people to come and enjoy it.

“We are putting in place the building blocks to transform Seaburn into a vibrant seaside destination, with an offer that will appeal to a wide range of visitors.

"Parking is one part of that effort.”

Commenting over the loss of the free car park, the council said: “Almost all of the car parks we had in place at the seaside were chargeable, with the Lowry Road provision the last of the free car parks in the area.

"The re-provided spaces are charges are in line with provision in the area.

"At £3 for a full day, we believe this represents fantastic value for money and – as we enhance the offer at Seaburn – there will be yet-more for families who visit us to do, meaning they can enjoy a full day of fun without excessive parking costs.”

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