The footbridge does not currently have listed building status.

Sunderland City Council says that work to repair the historic footbridge in Roker Park is due to begin in 2027.

The bridge, which spans a ravine close to where the park joins Roker Beach, has been closed for years due to its current condition.

The footbridge is wooden with a metal base and pre-dates the park, which opened in 1880. It is also older than the nearby stone road bridge which is part of the A183 coast road.

However, it does not currently have listed building status.

Significant work has been carried out in Roker Park in recent years. Its dilapidated but Grade II listed bandstand has now been temporarily removed for restoration.

A new café opened beside the bandstand in 2023, next to a music themed art wall paying tribute to the city’s industrial heritage.

Changing Places accessible toilets were also installed and work carried out on the lodge beside the bowling green.

Roker Park opened in 1880, but its footbridge has been there even longer. | Iconic Media

placeholder image — Roker Park opened in 1880, but its footbridge has been there even longer. | Iconic Media

But the footbridge remains closed off, with fencing in place at both ends. Restoration is due to start next year although no exact date or timescale has yet been given.

Sunderland City Council told the Echo: “The wooden bridge in Roker Park is a valued asset and an important feature of the park.

“Its refurbishment forms part of a planned programme of investment that has already delivered significant improvements across the park.

“As part of this planned investment, the council has recently completed a range of enhancement projects, including the refurbishment of the park's water features, the creation of a new café, the development of a new amphitheatre, the installation of a Changing Places accessible toilet facility and the restoration of the former lodge.

“Plus, work is also currently ongoing to restore the park's historic bandstand.