WORK to preserve Washington F Pit and make Albany Park safer and more accessible is set to begin next Spring, council chiefs have revealed.
The City Council has today confirmed investment plans for the regeneration of the site, following a review of the scheme.
Plans have now been refocused to prioritise improvements which will bring the greatest long-term benefit for the community while also safeguarding the historic F Pit’s future.
Under the revised programme, investment will focus on completing the remaining phase of improvements to Albany Park alongside essential repair works to the F Pit Winding House, one of only 10 scheduled monuments in Sunderland and a Grade II listed building.
This follows work already completed at the site, including replacement tree planting and ecological improvements, alongside drainage improvement works including a new pond and wetland areas in the park that are nearing completion.
Park improvements are set to include updates to the existing children’s play area, better accessibility, upgraded pathways, seating and park furniture, perimeter fencing, a dog exercise zone and wider landscape planting, with plans to also include outdoor exercise equipment.
It is hoped these improvements will help create a safer, more attractive and welcoming green space for local residents and families while encouraging greater use of the park for recreation, exercise and community activities.
Alongside the park improvements, essential repair works will be carried out to the F Pit Winding House, which currently sits on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register due to its condition and underuse.
The works will focus on repairing and stabilising the building’s iconic metal headgear, together with targeted brickwork repairs and replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that have reached the end of their operational lifespan.
This will help secure the future of the landmark structure, address important health and safety requirements and ensure the museum spaces remain safe and accessible for visitors, including school groups.
Coun Ciera Hudspith, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: “Washington F Pit is a proud part of our city’s industrial heritage and together with Albany Park is a much valued community asset.
“By prioritising improvements to Albany Park alongside essential repairs to the F Pit Winding House, we can deliver real benefits for local families, create a safer and more accessible park environment and safeguard the future of the historic winding house for future generations.
“The works will ensure this important heritage asset can continue to welcome visitors and school groups at the same time in the coming years as well as providing residents with a much-improved park that supports health, wellbeing and community activity.”
Work on these improvements is expected to begin from spring 2027.
