Marine Walk Masterplan

Janet Johnson Deputy Chief Executive Sunderland City Council PO Box 102 Civic Centre SR2 7DN

Tel: (0191)561 2439 Fax:(0191) 553 7893 e-mail: [email protected]

January 2010

Contents

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Approach 1.2 Location of the study area 1.3 Importance of the seafront to the city 1.4 Importance of the seafront to the region’s heritage 1.5 Importance of the seafront to the region’s other cultural attractions 1.6 Complementary projects 1.7 Project background

2.0 Context 2.1 History and culture 2.2 Physical context 2.3 Social context 2.4 Policy context and status

3.0 Analysis 3.1 Land use 3.2 Movement, arrivals and connections 3.3 Consultation ﬁ ndings

4.0 Issues and opportunities 4.1 Issues 4.2 Opportunities

5.0 Proposals 5.1 Introduction to design themes and concepts 5.2 Key spaces 5.3 Interpretation trail 5.4 Roker Pods 5.5 Lighting 5.6 Public realm 5.7 Soft landscaping 5.8 New development

6.0 Delivery 6.1 Sustainability 6.2 Equality and diversity 6.3 Timescales and phasing 6.4 Maintenance

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Approach The Marine Walk Masterplan is a The masterplan is the ﬁ rst in a suite of Supplementary Planning Document detailed documents developed to deliver The purpose of the Marine Walk (SPD), forming part of Sunderland City the Seafront Regeneration Strategy. The Masterplan is to support and supplement Council’s Local Development Framework. strategy provides a strategic platform the requirements of the Unitary As such the document is has been to guide the regeneration of Roker and Development Plan 1998 (UDP) policies taken forward through the statutory Seaburn seafront and deliver the objective NA26 (Coastal and Seafront Zone), EC8 planning process in accordance with set out in the Sunderland Strategy (2008- and EC9 (Tourist Facilities). It is intended the Town and Country Planning (Local 2025) the overarching strategy for the to provide additional guidance setting Development) (England) Regulations city which states that: ‘by 2025 Roker and out the key parameters and development 2004 (as amended). In addition under the Seaburn will have a key role in providing principles, which are necessary and requirements of the European Directive cultural tourism attractions.’ appropriate in order to achieve the proper 2001/42/EC a Strategic Environmental planning and redevelopment of Marine Assessment and Appropriate Assessment Walk. have been prepared alongside the SPD. Both documents are available at www. The UDP is the adopted Development sunderland.gov.uk/seafront. Both the Plan that guides new development and Strategic Environmental Assessment decisions on planning applications in the and Appropriate Assessment have been city under the Town and Country Planning subject to a 6 week consultation process Act (1990). The Planning and Compulsory in conjunction with the masterplan. Purchase Act (2004) brought major changes to the planning system including The Marine Walk Masterplan SPD is a the replacement of UDP’s with a series material consideration when determining of documents collectively called a Local planning applications in this area. Development Framework (LDF).

Sunderland Strategy (2008-2025)

Seafront Regeneration UDP Strategy until replaced by LDF

Strategic Marine Walk Appropriate Environmental Masterplan Assessment Assessment

Figure 1. Relationship between Masterplan and other documents Scope of the masterplan

The remainder of this masterplan sets out: a description of the site and its importance (Section 1)

the site context including the historical, physical, social and policy context. (Section 2)

an analysis of the site including land use, movement and public consultation ﬁ ndings (Section 3)

a summary of the constraints and opportunities of the site (Section 4)

proposals including the development principles and parameters which will ensure the proper planning and comprehensive redevelopment of Marine Walk (Section 5) Roker pier and lighthouse 1.2 Location of the study area the A183 but the River Wear separates Roker from Sunderland’s port and coast to Marine Walk (Roker’s lower promenade) is the south. located in St Peter’s ward in Sunderland’s North Area. Much of it lies within Roker The extent of the study area for this Park Conservation Area and it has strong masterplan is shown in ﬁ gure 3. The linkages to Sunderland city centre by study area extends north along the lower road, pedestrian and cycle routes via promenade from the Old North Pier to Wearmouth Bridge. the mouth of Roker Park, and includes the Grade II Listed Roker pier and lighthouse To the north, Roker is well connected to and grassed banks linking the area to Seaburn and South Tyneside’s coast via Roker Terrace.

Local authority boundary Souter Lighthouse Major road

Metro/railway

Central Area

BLYTH Local landmarks

WHITLEY BAY

TYNEMOUTH South Tyneside SOUTH SHIELDS A1018 Sunderland City NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Seaburn SEAFRONT STRATEGY AREA

MASTERPLAN AREA Old South Pier Lighthouse SUNDERLAND Fulwell Windmill Bede’s Cross Roker Roker Lighthouse A1231

Stadium of Light St. Peter’s Church DURHAM PETERLEE National Glass Centre

A19 Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

HARTLEPOOL SUNDERLAND A1(M) Civic Centre

REDCAR

STOCKTON ON TEES MIDDLESBROUGH

DARLINGTON

Figure 2. Regional Location Plan Key

Masterplan boundary

Side Cliff Road

Roker Terrace Roker Park

Marine Walk

St George’s Terrace Roker Pier

Harbour View

Figure 3. Marine Walk Masterplan Boundary 1.3 Importance of the seafront to Sunderland Image Strategy emphasises Wear corridor. The river corridor is seen the city the role the seafront has to play in by Sunderland arc as a key asset of the promoting Sunderland as a liveable city, and riverside sites are at the centre Sunderland seafront at Roker and Seaburn city which offers a high quality of life. of the arc’s regeneration strategy. Having (hereafter referred to as the seafront) Nurturing the seafront’s natural beauty an attractive seafront with a variety of is fundamental to the delivery of the and heritage to create an attractive, leisure opportunities in close proximity to strategic policies of the council and its accessible and desirable destination will be the city centre is a unique selling point, regeneration partners. key to attracting visitors and residents to which will aid Sunderland arc in delivering the city as a whole. its key projects by attracting new residents The Sunderland Strategy (2008 – 2025) and businesses to the city. As these long provides a framework for the Sunderland In 2002 the council and its regeneration term projects develop, links along the river Partnership, working together to improve partners (One North East and English corridor to the seafront will be enhanced quality of life in Sunderland by 2025. It Partnerships now the Homes and further if the proposed pedestrian bridges states by 2025 the seafront will have Communities Agency) set up an urban across the river connecting Vaux to a key role in providing cultural and regeneration company (Sunderland Stadium Village and St Peter’s to Pann’s tourism attractions, creating an attractive, arc) to guide and deliver the physical Bank are delivered. accessible and desirable destination. The regeneration of large areas of the River

A1018

Masterplan area Key

A1231 Sunderland strategic transport corridor 6 1 Sunderland arc priority 1 and 2 sites 7 3 2 8 5 1. St. Peter’s Riverside 4 2. Vaux SUNDERLAND 3. Farringdon Row 4. Holmeside 5. Sunniside 6. Stadium Village A19 7. Lisburn Terrace 8. Port of Sunderland

Figure 4. Masterplan area in relation to arc development sites National Glass Centre 1.4 Importance of the seafront to emphasises the importance of enhancing the region’s heritage the link between St Peter’s and the sea. Physically, the candidate World Heritage As the North East England Tourism Site is linked to the seafront via a 1km Strategy (2005-2010) highlights, the riverside footpath, incorporating St region’s beautiful coast and rich heritage Peter’s sculpture trail which is a popular is key to attracting domestic visitors to the environment for pedestrians and cyclists. area. Roker seafront offers both of these From this route it is possible to follow attractions, containing a Conservation Bede’s Way cycle route and footpath – Area, Registered Historic Park and several connecting St Peter’s to St Paul’s in Jarrow structures of note including a Grade II – which runs along Roker and Seaburn Listed pier and lighthouse, all located on a seafront. striking stretch of coastline with beautiful natural assets. Roker seafront makes an important contribution to the region’s heritage and tourism offer.

The seafront is within close proximity to some of the region’s main heritage attractions, including Penshaw Monument and Arbeia Roman Fort as shown on Figure 4. The seafront has particularly strong physical and historical linkages with St Peter’s church and former monastic site (dating from 674AD). St Peter’s church together with St Paul’s in Jarrow forms the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, the UK’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2011. The seafront is integral to the vision for the development of the candidate World Heritage Site. Sunderland and South Tyneside Councils are working jointly to deliver the Landscape Vision for Wearmouth-Jarrow (2008) which

St Peter’s Church and former monastic site Key

NORTH SHIELDS Arbeia Roman Fort Bede’s Way footpath

Bede’s cycle way Segedunum Roman Fort Stephenson heritage trail

Candidate World Heritage Site

St Paul’s Church & Bede’s World Heritage attractions

SOUTH SHIELDS

JARROW

A19

A1018

Masterplan Fulwell Windmill area St. Andrew’s Church Hylton Castle and Chapel

A1231

St Peters Church

ON Holy Trinity Church

SUNDERLAND

A19

Penshaw Monument

A19 Figure 5. Masterplan area in relation to heritage attractions 1.5 Importance of the seafront to the Sunderland is committed to its role in the Future projects of the ATP include the region’s other cultural attractions Area Tourism Partnership (ATP), Tourism Tyne and Wear Legibility Project which Tyne and Wear, which aims to ensure will seek to improve connections within The value of coastal tourism to the North visitors enjoy the best possible experience the region further. Sunderland seafront is East is estimated to be between £400 when they visit the North East, and that already well connected to South Shields million and £450 million, equivalent to destinations within Tyne and Wear are seafront in South Tyneside – the coastal over one ﬁ fth of the value of tourism to promoted effectively and attract day and road and cycle route connecting the two the region as a whole. The Regional overnight visitors. Sunderland is working destinations offers impressive views of Spatial Strategy, Regional Economic with the ATP to develop the seafront as an the North East coast making it a popular Strategy and Regional Cultural Strategy all attraction which offers a contrast to route for both drivers and cyclists. This acknowledge the seafront’s role in neighbouring resorts. Roker seafront coastal route receives the most use during promoting a positive image of the North promotes its heritage offer and attractive the Pier to Pier run, a 7 mile run between East to attract visitors and investors to natural environment which complements South Shields Pier and Roker Pier which the region. As shown in the previous the more family entertainment focus at takes place every May. Sunderland City section Roker has strong physical links to neighbouring resort South Shields. Council and South Tyneside Council are the region’s heritage attractions. Figure 6 working jointly to deliver the Legibility highlights the strong physical links Project to further enhance links between between the seafront and the region’s the two resorts and provide a other cultural attractions both within complementary tourism offer. Sunderland and the surrounding area. The seafront is linked via St Peter’s Artwork Trail to one of Sunderland’s main cultural attractions, the National Glass Centre, a centre of national excellence supporting the production, exploration and enjoyment of contemporary glass.

Empire Theatre Winter Gardens National Glass Centre artwork Key TH SHIELDS 20 2 36 21 National cycle routes

18 Galleries and museums

25 1. National Glass Centre 2. South Shields Museum and Art Gallery 3. Monkwearmouth Station Museum 4. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens 5. Reg Vardy Gallery (University) 6. Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art 7. thePlace Gallery JARROW 8. Washington Arts Centre SOUTH SHIELDS 9. North East Aircraft Museum Buildings of interest 30 10. Souter Lighthouse 10 11. Sunderland Minster 12. Holy Trinity Church 13. St Peter’s Church 14. St Andrew’s Church 15. Roker Pier

29 Sport and leisure

16. Sunderland Climbing Wall 17. Silksworth Dry Ski Slope A19 18. Wet and Wild 19. Aquatic Centre 20. Dunes Adventure Island 21. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park 22. Stadium of Light A1018 Theatres

23. The Empire Theatre 32 24. The Royalty Theatre 25. The Customs House Masterplan 14 area Parks and natural features 31 9 15 26. Washington Wetlands Centre 27. Herrington Country Park 28. James Steele Park A1231 29. Durham Coast (SAC*) 19 30. Marsden Rock 16 22 1 31. Roker Park 3 13 32. Northumbria Coast (SPA**) 26 33. Doxford Park 34. Backhouse Park 23 6 7 12 35. Barnes Park 11 28 36. Marine Park 28 SUNDERLAND 4 37. Mowbray Park 24 37 * Special Area of Conservation 34 5 ** Special Protection Area

A19 35 8

27 17

A19

Figure 6. Masterplan area in relation to regional Cultural Tourist Attractions 1.6 Complementary projects TWDC enhanced links between The investment of £200,000 of the the marina and Wearmouth Bridge government’s Play Pathfi nder funding Marine Walk is set within an area which has with the development of St Peter’s in the redevelopment of Roker Play been transformed by considerable riverside sculpture trail in 1997. Park, which uses maritime heritage investment in recent years. The delivery Artists collaborated with the local and coastal geology themes to provide of this masterplan will complement key community to create a trail unique and innovative play regeneration projects including: infl uenced by the area’s social and opportunities. Since opening in 2009 cultural heritage. The trail is being the refurbished play park is proving a The preparation of a Regeneration refurbished in 2009. popular attraction, drawing families to Strategy for the seafront (Roker and the park and seafront. Seaburn) to ensure a co-ordinated Improvements to the end section of approach to its regeneration. the St Peter’s Sculpture Trail along the Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Sea to Sea (c2c) cycle route, a 140 arc and Sunderland University are St Peter’s Riverside, one of the mile cycle route from the Cumbrian working jointly to develop and deliver fl agship projects of the former Tyne coast, has been completed in 2009. the regeneration of St Peter’s Riverside and Wear Development Corporation A quarter of a million pounds was which includes the candidate World (TWDC). The project included secured from One North East and Heritage Site (cWHS). Preliminary work extending North Dock, originally Sunderland City Council to install new has begun on a planning framework constructed by Brunel in 1837, to waymarkers and artworks along the which will ensure new development is provide a modern marina fi nal mile of the route. Key pieces on carefully balanced with the need to incorporating a marine activities this trail include the sculpture protect and enhance the cWHS, and its centre and residential development. ‘Second Sun’ and the end piece ‘C’ a buffer zone. large granite monolith, which frames the view of Roker Lighthouse and creates an end point for cyclists as they fi nish this challenging and exciting journey.

Sunderland Marina ‘‘Talking Flight’ St. Peter’s Riverside Sculpture Trail 1.7 Project background Council fi rst drew attention to the neglect other suggestions they had. Almost 2,700 of seaside resorts, despite the enormous people participated in the consultation. In recent years there has been an contribution they have made to the This is one of the highest response rates acknowledgement by the Government cultural identity of England. In light of the council has ever received. A summary and advisory bodies such as English this, the Commission for Architecture and of the consultation fi ndings is included in Heritage that the decline of the tourism the Built Environment (CABE) and English the analysis section of this masterplan. industry and the rise of cheap foreign Heritage published the report ‘Shifting travel has created deep-seated economic Sands’ focusing on the need to regenerate The results of the consultation informed and social problems for coastal resorts. In seaside resorts with high quality buildings the development of the vision for the 2001 the English Tourism and public spaces. future of Marine Walk, and the following regeneration objectives: Sunderland seafront like many coastal The vision: St Peter’s Riverside Sculpture Trail resorts saw a decline in its tourism St Peter’s Riverside Trail industry in the 1960s. Despite this the ‘Building on its unique natural environment and seafront remains a much loved and used rich heritage, the seafront at Roker will be asset for local residents and visitors. an attractive, safe, clean and accessible Sunderland City Council’s 2007 destination for all residents and visitors, Community Spirit Summer Survey of which the people of Sunderland can collected opinions from a cross-section of be proud. It will be a welcoming place to Sunderland residents. The survey found the enjoy all year round, offering activities and seafront to be the most visited and most events for everyone and supporting important green space in the city, with Sunderland’s aspiration to be the UK’s 94% of respondents stating it was most liveable city.’ important to their quality of life. The seafront was also identifi ed as the second Regeneration objectives: green space in the city most in need of improvement, after Barnes Park. 1. To develop a sense of place and Red Arrows fl ying over lighthouse on Roker Cliff pride by building on, protecting and The wishes of the community to see enhancing the area’s rich heritage and improvements at the seafront and the attractive natural environment increasing acknowledgement of issues 2. To create an attractive environment faced by coastal resorts led to the where both residents and visitors decision by the council to establish can relax a Seafront Project Group comprising 3. To create a family friendly area which council offi cers and a Seafront Members’ is safe and clean Steering Group comprising elected 4. To provide high quality public Councillors to drive forward the amenities regeneration of the seafront. The need 5. To offer high quality and affordable for an overarching regeneration strategy activities and cultural events to guide the regeneration of the seafront throughout the year and detailed masterplans for Marine Walk 6. To create an area which is physically and Seaburn was identifi ed. To inform the and intellectually accessible development of these documents a city-wide 7. To maximise the impact and improve public consultation was undertaken between the economic vibrancy of the area 16 February and 3 April 2009 to fi nd out what the people who live in, work in and Following the public consultation a visit Sunderland feel should be the vision multi-disciplinary design team comprising for the future of the seafront. People were landscape architects, planning offi cers asked whether the vision should be a and artists was established to develop a seafront to go to for a quiet walk, masterplan which would deliver the vision family fun, watersports, great events or any and objectives for the area. The vision

‘Building on its unique natural environment and rich heritage, the seafront at Roker will be an attractive, safe, clean and accessible destination for all residents and visitors, of which the people of Sunderland can be proud. It will be a welcoming place to enjoy all year round, offering activities and events for everyone and supporting Sunderland’s aspiration to be the UK’s most liveable city.’ :fek\ok

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2.0 Context

2.1 History and culture Nestling within the cliffs in the ravine Archaeologists also suspect the cave may to Roker Park are a series of caves. The have attracted prehistoric settlers as it Roker and its surrounding environs are largest is known as Spottee’s Cave after a would have been an attractive habitat for steeped in history and local culture, French vagrant sailor who supposedly lived hunter-gather groups, providing shelter, both from geological and built heritage in the cave in the eighteenth century. abundant local water and benefi ting from perspectives, and in terms of the traditions Legend has it that Spottee lured ships on a broad spectrum of maritime resources and activities associated with its function to the rocks at Roker by lighting fi res and to fi ll shortages left when meat was not as a coastal resort. fooling sailors into believing they were plentiful. Archaeological investigations are heading towards Harbour lights, then on-going to try and fi nd evidence of any Although there are no designated looting the wrecked vessels. prehistoric settlement in the cave system. archaeological sites within the study area, prehistoric and Roman objects have been The cave is reputed to extend hundreds The earliest recorded built development recovered from the beach, including of metres along a system of underground took place at Roker in the 1840s when roman coins and an antler harpoon. tunnels (legend has it) all the way to Roker Terrace was built on the cliff tops. St Peter’s Church and Wearmouth The area only began to develop after the The area’s geology dates back some Monastery – the candidate World Heritage opening of Roker Park in 1880 when Sir 238 million years to when the famous Site that is of outstanding universal cultural Hedworth Williamson and the Church ‘cannonball’ rocks fi rst started forming in and heritage value – and even possibly to Commissioners donated land for the the sea bed when tropical seas lapped Hylton Castle. It is rumoured that the development of a park on the condition upon the shores. The most imposing part tunnels were used by fi shermen, keelmen the Sunderland corporation build the road of Roker Cliffs, known as Holey Rock, and bargemen to smuggle illegal goods. bridge to span Roker Ravine. was famous for resembling an elephant ashore in the 17th and 18th Centuries; and is a well-remembered landmark. Its name derives from the numerous caves Holey Rock (c1920) and passageways that honeycombed this section of Roker Cliffs to create a natural beauty spot that was especially popular with children who saw it as something of an adventure playground. Unfortunately, much of Holey Rock was demolished in 1936 due to concerns over the stability of the structure and the consequent safety fears.

Roker Ravine and road bridge (c1920) Roker pier (c1903) By 1885 the construction of the lower Around the turn of the 20th century promenade (now known as Marine development intensiﬁ ed considerably as Walk) and Roker Pier along the line of a Roker grew in popularity. By 1907 Roker natural rocky outcrop had commenced, had become a thriving seaside resort. The undertaken by Sunderland Corporation as promenade and sands were an obvious an employment creation scheme during attraction and were often crowded with the recession of 1885-6. The Pier was visitors. Roker Spa Hotel, designed by John completed 18 years later in 1903 and was Dobson in 1842, also drew many visitors acclaimed an engineering wonder. The to the seafront. huge crane used to construct the Pier was a feature of Roker seafront for nearly two Roker Park, which had also been laid out decades and is still well remembered. by the Corporation in the 1880s, provided an important and distinctive link with the Another key feature, the Bede Memorial, promenade, not just with regard to its Bedes Cross under construction (1904) a beautifully sculptured cross dedicated physical attractiveness but also in terms to Sunderland’s most famous son, of the linkages created to offer a range of the Venerable Bede, was erected in a activities and attractions to visitors, with prominent position on top of Roker Cliffs the daily bandstand shows, bowling greens in 1904. The cross is placed along the and boating lake complementing the path of Bede’s Way, the route along the attractions of the lower promenade. seafronts of Roker and Seaburn that 7th century pilgrims walked between the twin In its heyday the lower promenade was Monkwearmouth and Jarrow Anglo-Saxon an arena for cultural and leisure activities Monastic Sites. These sites of immense including various forms of entertainment, cultural and heritage signiﬁ cance, are such as the Holey Rock Dance and Tea intrinsically linked to the seafront. Gardens and the Jumbles Pierrot Troupe. The promenade was often covered in tents and stalls and crowded with visitors who enjoyed the various shows, beach cafes, ice cream parlours, children’s rides and miniature railway, all of which made the promenade a focus of local culture.

Roker Hotel (c1920) Holey Rock Corner (c1904) During this period of popularity the twin Roker remained a holiday resort well into was excavated to form the North Dock resorts of Roker and Seaburn became the 1960s but by then growing prosperity in the 1830s was used to construct the known as ‘the playground of the people’, and mobility had given holidaymakers grassed embankment between the upper highlighting the importance of the wider choice. Roker now tends to attract and lower promenades on Roker seafront. seafront to the city’s people and their day trippers rather than long stay holiday The artworks for the sculpture trail are cultural history. visitors. Traditional seaside uses such as informed by the history and culture of the hotels are increasingly under threat from area and provide the local community with Roker is also renowned for its marine developers wishing to take advantage of a strong sense of ownership. heritage. The former Volunteer Life Brigade the location for residential development. Watch Tower and Rocket House, built In 1995 Roker Park Conservation Area was circa 1905, are prominently located on The characteristic timber framed declared in recognition of its architectural the upper promenade. The former is now structures that lined the lower promenade and historic interest. The Conservation a museum dedicated to the history of the are long gone and have been replaced by Area is centred upon Roker Park, a Volunteer Life Brigade and their heroics in poor forms of modern development that registered Historic Park and Garden, that saving over 700 lives from the dozens of detract from its unique and distinctive opens out on to the lower promenade, ships that were grounded off the Roker- natural and built assets. The promenade, and includes the Ravine and part of the Seaburn coastline in the late 19th and fi rst whilst still busy in the summer months lower promenade at Marine Walk. The half of the 20th century. On Marine Walk, with beach users, no longer acts as a focus Conservation Area displays many fi ne the Sunderland Lifeboat Station and the for cultural activities in the manner in examples of Victorian and Edwardian recently built Marine Adventure Centre which it was historically utilised. The return architecture and includes the historic continue the area’s marine tradition. of the Sunderland Illuminations in the late seafront properties of Roker Terrace. 1980s briefl y drew masses of visitors back The Conservation Area was extended in to the resorts of Roker and Seaburn, but 2007 to encompass the majority of the this was relatively short-lived. promenade, Roker pier and lighthouse whilst also incorporating buildings of During the 1990s the land around importance to the marine heritage of the ‘listed’ North Dock (designed by Roker and the city, such as the Volunteer world famous engineer Isambard Life Brigade Museum. The Conservation Kingdom Brunel and built 1834-8) was Area includes several individual structures transformed by the Tyne and Wear of note within the Masterplan area, such as Development Corporation and North the Grade II Listed pier and lighthouse, and Haven Developments to provide a marina, Roker Bridge which spans the ravine that riverside housing and St Peter’s riverside links Roker Park to the lower promenade sculpture trail. The land that and beach.

Lower promenade (1920) Roker Park bandstand 2.2 Physical context The area’s geology is hugely signifi cant The imposing sandstone road bridge and dating back some 238 million years. timber footbridge that span the ravine add The Marine Walk Masterplan area has a Roker cliffs create a dramatic end point to its sense of enclosure and drama. The unique environment of considerable to the lower promenade providing shelter footbridge is notable for being the fi rst heritage, geological and ecological value. and interest. The rock face of the cliff is creosoted bridge in the world, reinforcing The area contains and is set within a magnesian limestone and features the the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the variety of distinctive and hugely rare ‘cannonball’ rock formations. At fi rst area’s built and natural environment. impressive natural and built assets that glance the rocks look man-made, like combine to create an environment quite odd-shaped cannonballs stuck together. unlike any other stretch of the North East but are actually unusual carboniferous coastline. Such assets range from the limestone rocks of very hard, large naturally formed features of Roker beach, spherical concretions, preserved for cliffs and ravine, to the planned Victorian millions of years, In recognition of this the ‘Roker Park’ and other man-made cliff has been classifi ed as a Site of Nature structures such as the road bridge Conservation Importance (SNCI). spanning the ravine and the ‘Listed’ Roker pier and lighthouse. These assets are The ravine that cuts through the cliffs identifi ed in fi gure 7. and links Marine Walk with Roker Park is a place of natural beauty and drama with In ecological terms Parson’s Rocks to the its steep rock sides providing a strong north of the study area forms part of the feeling of enclosure and the series of Northumbria Coast Special Protection Area caves provide a sense of mystery and (SPA), and have been designated as a excitement. The sides of the ravine are Ramsar site under the European made up of a pale soft stone called Roker Convention of Wetlands of International Dolomite, deposited some 238 million Importance, refl ecting their importance years ago when the area was under the as a bird habitat for wintering Turnstone, shallow waters of the Zechstein Sea. The wintering Purple Sandpiper and breeding ravine was formed 10,000 years ago, at Little Tern. The individual areas that make the end of the last ice age, when glacial up the Northumbria Coast SPA are also streams cut down through the weakest designated as sites of special scientifi c part of the rock to the sea. interest (SSSI) notifi ed for habitat, bird and geological interest.

Cannonball rock formations Roker Park ravine Key

Heritage designations

15 Roker Park Conservation Area

Roker Park registered historic park and garden

Listed buildings

1. Roker pier and lighthouse 2. Bede’s Memorial 5 3. Bandstand, Roker Park 17 4. Water fountain, Roker Park 5. St. Andrew’s Church 6. Brunel’s North Dock

2 Unlisted historic structures 13 7. Roker road bridge 8. Timber footbridge 9. Old North Pier 8 10. Roker Hotel 7 11. Former lighthouse keepers’ cottages 14 12. Volunteer Life Brigade Museum 3 Art and sculptures 16 Riverside sculpture trail 4 * Existing sculpture/art

18 1

Natural assets 11 Geological formations

13. Roker cliffs 14. Roker ravine and caves 15. Cannonball rocks

Significant green spaces 12 16. Roker Park 17. Cliff Park 18. Embankment

Beaches

* 6

* 9

6 *

* Figure 7. Historical context map The Ravine leads to Roker Park, which is of Looking back from Roker pier the The townscape of the lower promenade considerable interest in itself, being steep embankment acts as a green (Marine Walk) is less characteristic. The registered as a historic park and garden. wedge between the lower and upper original timber-framed buildings that The park is easily accessible from the promenades. Roker Terrace sits on top characterised the historic promenade beach and promenade through the ravine of the upper promenade, providing an are long gone and the area now contains and provides a pleasant backdrop to the attractive historic background to the a mismatch of unsightly modern study area. The park’s attractive luscious masterplan area. Views from the sea and buildings and structures. Some historic green environment contrasts with yet Roker pier reveal an expansive townscape buildings remain, such as the former complements the harsh ruggedness of the of characteristic Victorian seafront Roker lighthouse keepers’ cottages, and cliffs and ravine and the fi ne golden sands properties of varied building styles and the recent development of Adventure of Roker beach. heights that are unifi ed by a consistency of Sunderland has provided a distinctive, materials and boundary walls. high-quality modern building on Marine Roker pier is another imposing man made Walk that should set the standard for structure, a key landmark that frames Traditional seaside uses in Roker Terrace, future development. the natural environment of Roker and such as hotels and guest houses, have facilitates excellent panoramic views of declined over the last few decades and the In summary, it is the complementary the beach and cliffs. The pier provides area has become increasingly attractive relationships between the built and a continuity of built form with the lower to developers seeking to capitalise on natural assets of Roker – the upper and promenade along Marine Walk, having the seafront location for residential lower promenade, the beach and grassed been constructed at the same time as part developments. This has facilitated the embankment, the cliffs, ravine and the of a co-ordinated building programme. repair and restoration of numerous historic road bridge – that give it such a diverse, At the south end of Marine Walk the old properties for conversion into apartments, distinctive and unique character and north pier, whilst nowhere near as enhancing the area’s townscape in the make Roker one of the most striking imposing as Roker pier, provides a defi nite process. and attractive natural environments in edge or ‘book end’ to the masterplan area. Sunderland and in its wider context along the North Eastern coastline.

Roker beach Roker pier 2.3 Social context Marine Walk plays an important role in the seafront’s popular cultural events calendar. The seafront has a reputation for In 2005, as part of the International successfully hosting cultural and Festival of River and Seas, Sunderland sporting events dating back to the 1900s. hosted a free arts and music festival at The seafront’s modern events calendar the seafront. The festival included live began in the 1980s when the council music, dancers and artwork referencing introduced the Sunderland Illuminations the seafront’s heritage, all focused at and the Sunderland International Airshow. Marine Walk. More recent additions to The illuminations took place each autumn the seafront’s events calendar include and consisted of spectacular light displays heritage open days, historic re-enactments centred around Roker Park and along the by the Heritage and Maritime Society, length of Roker Terrace and Whitburn sailing championships, Sunderland Live Road . The International Airshow is It is music festival and the Great Women’s Run now the largest free airshow in Europe, – which in 2009 became the Great North and in 2007 the event won a gold Enjoy 10k Run – attracting elite runners from all England Award for Best Tourism over the world as well as local enthusiasts. Experience of the Year. During the summer there is a regular programme of family orientated events at Marine Walk including story telling, magic workshops and promenade games.

International Airshow

Punch and Judy show Festival of rivers and the sea 2.4 Policy context and status the image and offer of Sunderland city It is proposed the Marine Walk Masterplan and the wider region, through tourism is taken forward as a Supplementary The regeneration of Sunderland’s and culture led-regeneration which Planning Document to Unitary seafront sits within the context of local, builds on the seafront’s heritage, cultural Development Plan policies NA26 (Coastal regional and national policy. Figure 7 events calendar, and attractive natural and Seafront Zone), EC8 (Tourist Facilities) illustrates how the Marine Walk Masterplan environment. A Seafront Regeneration and EC9 (Tourist Facilities). These policies strategically fi ts within the policies of Strategy has been developed to ensure and an overview of the national, regional the council, partner organisations, the development at the seafront is cohesive and local policy context are set out in Regional Development Agency One North and joined up. The Marine Walk annex 1. East (ONE) and Government Offi ce for the Masterplan is the fi rst stage in delivering North East (GONE). To summarise, the this strategy and realising the culture-led policy context emphasises the role the regeneration of Sunderland seafront. seafront has to play in enhancing both einlPrnrhpCouncil Partnership Regional North East England Regional Spatial Strategy Tourism Strategy 2005-2010 Regional Economic Strategy Regional Cultural Strategy Regional Image Strategy A Framework for North East England’s Coastal Visitor Economy

Tyne and Wear Sunderland Strategy Tourism Management Plan

Tyne and Wear Coastal Image Strategy arc business plan Regeneration Strategy

Local Development Framework Cultural Masterplan Coastline as a Cultural Resource

Seafront Regeneration Strategy Planning Guidance Roker Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan Marine Walk Masterplan Figure 8. Policy context 8eXcpj`j

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3.0 Analysis

Frequently received comments from the seafront consultation:

‘Sunderland has a rich history in shipbuilding; visitors to the area should be given the opportunity to learn about the history of Sunderland.’

‘Some imaginative and artistic features and better landscaping.’

‘Provide more information about the pier and its history.’ 3.1 Land use

Roker primarily serves as a recreational area for residents of Sunderland. Its role does, however, extend to providing some activity for visitors. The beach serves as the end point to the Sea to Sea (c2c) cycle route. There are some fragmented areas of local interest such as the lifeguard museum and Roker is a ‘hub’ for watersports, with facilities such as Sport England’s Adventure Sunderland, Sunderland Yacht Club and a diving centre which is located in the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages. Marine Walk includes a council resort ofﬁ ce, a pub and amusement arcade. The remainder of the built-up area behind the seafront is in private residential use with clusters of hotels, guesthouses and residential care homes. Figure 9 illustrates the land uses in this area.

Sue’s Cafe and Adventure Sunderland Lighthouse keepers’ cottages Lifeguard museum Key

Area boundary

Residential use

Mixed use

Leisure 1 Sport and recreation

2 Museum

3 Other

1. Electricity sub-stations 2. Resort Office and rain shelter 3. Smugglers public house 4 4. Amusement arcade 5. North East Dive Academy 6. Bungalow Cafe 7. Public toilets 8. Volunteer Life Brigade Museum 9. Adventure Sunderland 10. Sue’s Cafe 11. RNLI 12. Sunderland Yacht Club 13. Harbour View public house

6 9 7

8 10

Figure 9. Land use plan 3.2 Movement, arrivals and The area hosts a number of regional and As a consequence of all of the above connections national cycle and pedestrian routes factors, the masterplan area suffers from a including the Sea to Sea Cycle Route (c2c), lack of legibility offering no priority to any As fi gure 10 illustrates, movement into and Route 1 of the National Cycle Network given user. Footways and surfaces in a across the Marine Walk Masterplan area (The East Coast Cycle Route), the Bede’s poor state of repair limit access between can broadly be separated into two areas – Way cycle and pedestrian route and the the upper and lower promenades for vehicular movement along Harbour View St Peter’s Sculpture Trail. This makes the those who are less mobile or disabled. on the upper promenade and pedestrian masterplan area a popular location for Poor signage and the lack of a route and cycle movements along the lower both pedestrians and cyclists. However, hierarchy cause confusion to the user and promenade. Vehicles can access the the need to adequately accommodate increase the opportunity for confl ict to lower promenade via Pier View, a small day to day vehicular traffi c and access as occur. Gateways do not create a sense of road linking the upper promenade with well as other leisure and recreation uses, arrival into the masterplan area. car parking and Marine Walk. Marine Walk in addition to the above, demonstrates road runs along the lower promenade to a clear potential for confl ict to occur. At the south to a car parking area and to the present, confl ict exists between people north to a roundabout, after which the wishing to fi sh along the sea wall (who road is access only. Integration between require large areas of space in order to vehicular, cycle and pedestrian traffi c has rest fi shing poles) and cyclists. Similar proved unsuccessful resulting in a number confl icts also exist between pedestrians of points across the masterplan area using the lower promenade to walk along where signifi cant confl icts between users the sea front and vehicular users using the occur, particularly at the southern end of road which runs the length of the lower the study area. promenade. c2c cyclist

Footpath between the upper and lower promenades Vehicles on the lower promenade To Seaburn, Whitburn and South Shields Key

Primary vehicular route

Secondary vehicular route

Access only route

Bus route

Cycle route

Pedestrian footpath

Area boundary

Gateways

P Public parking areas

P P

To St Peter’s Church and City Centre

Figure 10. Movement analysis plan 3.3 Consultation ﬁ ndings The ﬁ ndings of the consultation are summarised below but are also available Extensive consultation on the future of in full in a Seafront Consultation Findings the seafront was undertaken in early 2009 Report which can be found at www. leading to one of the highest response sunderland.gov.uk/seafront. rates to a public consultation the council has ever received. In total 2,455 people Respondents who completed a completed a seafront consultation form consultation form were asked to select and 13 consultation workshops took place the three aspects that they would most involving almost 200 people. Views of like to be included in the vision for Roker. a cross-section of the community were The responses are shown in the pie-chart collected. Planning Aid, an independent below. ‘Make the most of the area for organisation funded by the Royal Town relaxation’ emerged as the aspect the Planning Institute, undertook 6 workshops majority of respondents would like to be with members of the public across the city, included in the vision followed by ‘protect including the Youth Parliment. Meanwhile, the natural environment’ and ‘improve Sunderland City Council undertook 9 what’s on offer for families’. workshops with the Disability Alliance of Sunderland, the Older People Independent During the consultation, people were Advisory Groups and other key invited to give their comments on the stakeholders including businesses, interest seafront at Roker. A common theme of groups and voluntary organisations the comments included a call for more to focused at Marine Walk. be made of Roker’s heritage.

‘Higher proﬁ le to the heritage of the seafront!’

‘More information on what can be seen in the area - park information boards on birds etc to be seen in the area. Some heritage information - the area has changed over the last 100 years.’

‘More effort made to preserve the old stone walls and structures so important to our heritage, and to make the public more aware of natural gems such as the tufa deposit and the outcrop of the ‘cannonball’ limestone.’

Planning Aid analysed the workshop ﬁ ndings and produced an image (Figure 11) which sets out the community’s vision for the seafront at Roker. This image again highlights the need to give Roker back its sense of place by highlighting its history and attractive natural environment. Figure 11. Public consultation ﬁ ndings plan

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4.0 Issues and Opportunities

4.1 Issues Legibility Movement

Overall the physical environment of Marine Marine Walk is adjoined by a number of Movement across Marine Walk currently Walk has endured widespread decline key destinations such as Roker Park to the presents a major barrier to the area which has diminished the performance northwest and St Peter’s riverside to the becoming a successful cultural destination. of this area as a successful civic space. southwest. Consequently the masterplan Confl icts occurring between vehicular Overall the area has lost its historic ‘sense area shares a linked network of footpaths and pedestrian traffi c and the previous of place’ as a focus for local culture. and cycle routes with these spaces. attempts to remedy this confl ict have resulted in an environment which is However despite sharing these physical cluttered and lacks a clear hierarchy links and the area’s strong heritage, of routes. An additional confl ict is Marine Walk has a poorly defi ned encountered between cyclists and anglers and often concealed identity. When particularly on the stretch of the c2c cycle accessing Marine Walk from Roker Park route in the south of the study area. for example, unattractive substations and an inadequate level of signage do little Furthermore the presence of gates, fences to identify the gateway to the beach and and balustrades throughout Marine Walk promenade. serve to further fragment routes and limit access to key destinations and landmarks. Similarly the entrance to Marine Walk from St Peter’s Riverside Trail is a narrow corridor dominated by street furniture that impedes pedestrian and cyclist movement into the area and serves to weaken what should be a strong gateway between these cultural destinations.

Entrance to Roker Park St Peter’s riverside leading to Marine Walk Footpath linking the upper and lower promenades Landscaping Sense of place

Overlapping and isolated landscaping Marine Walk encompasses a variety of schemes and programmes of public attractions including the Grade II Listed realm improvements have produced pier and lighthouse, Volunteer Life Brigade a pedestrian experience which has a Museum and a variety of play spaces and rundown appearance and does little to aid gathering places. The lack of prominent cohesion and movement along the route signage, access and identiﬁ cation of these of cultural facilities found within Marine attractions alongside a widespread need Walk. for maintenance, has resulted in Marine Walk exhibiting a weak sense of place.

Generally play spaces are underused and require renewal or revitalisation to become successful public spaces. Benches and gathering spaces follow a similar trend and lack a cohesive appearance.

Surface materials on Marine Walk Unused former paddling pool Gates to Roker pier 4.2 Opportunities Introduce a more sympathetic pallet of to help them explore new business street furniture which is durable and low opportunities and ensure their longevity. Following a detailed physical analysis of maintenance appropriate to the coastal Consider sympathetic development the area and an analysis of the fi ndings of location. Replace broken surface materials opportunities and temporary uses for the the public consultation, a long list of with new materials suitable for the Marine derelict site adjacent to the Adventure opportunities for Marine Walk was Environment. identifi ed. The longlist of opportunities Sunderland building. Consider sympathetic development has been considered against the vision for Accessibility Roker, and a shortlist of opportunities is opportunities and temporary uses for the set out below: derelict site adjacent to the Adventure This masterplan presents an opportunity Sunderland building. to improve the accessibility of Marine Culture and Heritage Introduce soft landscaping, for example Walk by promoting access to the seafront Open up the caves in Roker Ravine to to the grass banks. The introduction of by sustainable modes of transport. This the public as a space for temporary arts native coastal grasses would break up will be supported by and complement installations and performances the large area of mown grass and create the delivery of the Local Transport Plan 2 opportunities for habitat creation. (LTP2), which establishes how transport Open up the tunnel inside the pier as part Movement patterns and routes will be developed of other events or heritage open days. across Tyne and Wear over the period Improve the links between Marine Walk 2006 to 2011. Explore the re-opening of the old pier as a and Roker Park and St Peter’s Riverside. viewing platform and fi shing area. Marine Walk is well connected to Consider opportunities to remove non- pedestrian and cycle routes. St Peter’s Legibility essential traffi c at the northern end of artwork trail connects Marine Walk to the promenade. This would allow the Introduce an interpretation trail to the riverside and Bede’s Way footpath roundabout to be removed and the celebrate key points of interest, for and cycle route connects the area to St space used for events and other cultural example Roker Ravine, Spottee’s Cave, Peter’s and St Paul’s in Jarrow. As stated in activities. Roker pier and lighthouse. section 3.2 Roker is well connected to the Play national cycle network forming part of the Improve the entrance to the pier by Create new play facilities on the c2c cycle route, Walney to Wear route and removing the existing gates and National route 1. introducing a more sympathetic solution. promenade opposite Adventure Sunderland and introduce a ‘play journey’ Public transport links to Marine Walk Public realm and landscaping between this area and the new Roker Park could be better promoted. The closest play area. Introduce new feature lighting, for metro station, St Peter’s, is located example light up the cliff faces, the ravine, Facilities approximately 1 mile from Marine Walk, but there is no signage to indicate this. promenade and beaches with low-level Explore opportunities to introduce new Bus routes to Marine Walk could also be LED feature lighting. facilities and improve existing facilities on better promoted. Every 20 minutes a bus Marine Walk. Work with existing businesses runs from the city centre to Harbour View Holey Rock Corner Entrance to Spottee’s Cave road (the main access road to Marine Holey Rock Corner Walk) and buses travel to nearby Sea Road every 10 minutes. By providing public transport information at Marine Walk and improving footpaths and cycle routes the masterplan will contribute to the delivery of one of the main elements of the LTP2 implementation plan: ‘To improve facilities for sustainable transport modes, especially walking and cycling, and create high quality continuous and legible networks across Tyne and Wear.’ Opportunities

‘More events that attract people to visit the seafront.’

‘It should be a place of adventure and interest.’

‘Improve the entrances to the pier and the park.’

‘Develop the pier as a visitor attraction.’

(Source: local residents)

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5.0 Proposals

5.1 Introduction to design Roker’s heritage, culture and geology are Particular emphasis will be given to Roker themes and concepts inextricably linked in the way in which Ravine and the large space (historically Marine Walk (in particular the lower known as Holey Rock corner) that it leads promenade adjacent the cliffs) has been onto beneath Roker Cliffs. This is the most “Reviving Roker as a thriving historic historically used. The proposals aim distinctive and impressive part of the coastal resort.” to revive this tradition by focusing on masterplan area with unique geological providing people with an environment and built assets. This area will be the In its heyday in the early to mid 20th and experience that builds upon and focus for innovative forms of artwork century, Roker (along with Seaburn) interprets Roker’s cultural history and built and interpretation, and a striking lighting became known as the ‘Playground of the and natural features. This will be achieved scheme to illuminate the Ravine, caves, People,’ an arena for cultural and leisure by providing a range of innovative forms cliffs and bridges in all their glory. This will activities, events, traditions and passive of interpretative material, features and include a multi-functional interpretation recreation. Nowadays, however, it has lost artwork at key points of reference from Pod on Holey Rock corner that will light its historic ‘sense of place’ as a focus for Roker Ravine to the south end of Marine the cliffs. local culture (as described in section 2.1). Walk, creating an ‘interpretation trail’ that Developments to the south (the Marina, is inspired by the area’s heritage, cultural Through the combination of the above North Haven housing scheme and the and geological assets and its links with the ‘linked’ proposals the masterplan will aspire Riverside Sculpture Trail), and the focus on candidate World Heritage Site. to create an environment and experience the candidate World Heritage Site of for all members of the community unlike St Peter’s, along with the recent The interpretation trail will be anywhere else on the north eastern improvements to Roker Park play area to complemented by the use of high quality coastline, a unique and stimulating the northwest, have left Marine Walk as surface materials and bespoke innovative environment with a choice of attractions something of a missing or ‘forgotten’ link forms of street furniture and lighting. A inspired by the area’s distinctive natural on the most attractive and historically and key and ‘unique’ element of the proposals and built assets and rich cultural heritage. culturally signifi cant route along is the use of timber ‘Pods’. Designed to Sunderland’s riverside and coastline. refl ect the famous cannonball rocks these Figure 12 illustrates the masterplan innovative and distinctive man-made proposals for Marine Walk. The masterplan has been devised with features will provide fl exible multi-user the objective of regenerating Roker as a facilities at various locations along Marine thriving seaside resort and reconnecting it Walk and will have a striking visual impact within the riverside/coastal trail from on the area. St Peter’s to Roker Park and the wider coastal landscape. In particular, the masterplan proposals aim to revive Roker’s rich cultural heritage in a contemporary and innovative manner building on and taking inspiration from its unique and distinctive built heritage and natural assets.

Spottee’s Cave Example of feature lighting Example of feature lighting Key 1 2 Pods

Sites for interpretation/ panels 3 * / artistic interventions Sites for sonic and optical play features

Play facilities: beach football and * volleyball 4 6 Seating

7 Lighting 5 Improved promenade railings

New planting: trees, shrubs and grasses 6

9 6 8 1. New flexible space, including new stairs to beach 2. Sub-stations to be masked and caves opened up 10 3. Re-use of 1930s seating shelter 4. Site of temporary summer water play 5. Flexible cultural space 11 6. Improvements to footpaths between upper and lower promenade 12 7. Parking for permit holders only beyond this 14 point northwards 8. New sculptural gates to pier 9. Restoration of lighthouse and resurfacing of pier 10. Development opportunity/ temporary car park 13 11. New access/ stairway 15 16 12. New plaza including play 13. Narrowing and re-alignment of promenade road 17 14. Improvements to public facilities 15. Improvements to car park including disabled parking 16. New parallel on-street parking 17. Improvements of gateway space including ramp to beach 18. Maritime planting on edge of car park 18 19. Repair and refurbish historic North Pier 20. Widening of C2C ramp 21. Removal of broken benches and resurfacing of footpath/ cycleway

19 20

21 Figure 12 Masterplan Roker seating shelter with display panels Roker cannonball pods, and create the opportunity to develop further planned events returning the area to its former glory as a location for tea dances, shows and the many other events that have taken place over the years in this dramatic setting.

Mirroring this, the heritage of the area will be opened up to the public both physically and intellectually. The gates of Spottee’s cave will be removed and the original entrance opened up and a reinforced glass panel installed to allow 5.2 Key spaces people to view the illuminated cave and the impact is muted by the visual clutter ﬁ nd out about its interesting history. The of the substation and beyond this Detailed designs have been produced for cave will be surveyed for the presence the sea wall. To restore the sense of three key spaces on Marine Walk – Roker of protected species prior to any work connectedness between the park and Ravine and Holey Rock Corner, Spottee’s being undertaken. The interpretation Pod, beach these barriers will be removed or Plaza and Marine Plaza. All of these providing information on the rich history of masked. The sea wall will be replaced with spaces, though historically important to the seafront, its environment and geology a sweeping stairway and ramp designed the seafront, currently feel bland and lack will be located in Holey Rock Corner. to allow the sand and sea to wash into identity. This will encourage people drawn to the the area, creating the sense of the park seafront from Roker Park to spend time in spilling out onto the beach. Detailed Roker Ravine and Holey Rock Corner the area exploring its many assets. designs will be developed in consultation with the Environment Agency and the Marine Walk is remarkable as being In the evening, lighting will transform Coastal Protection Agency (Sunderland perhaps the only location where it is Roker Ravine and Holey Rock Corner into City Council). possible to walk from a Registered Historic an area with a magical quality, reminiscent Park through a ravine directly on to a of the Sunderland Illuminations. Feature In its heyday the lower promenade was seafront promenade. The luscious green of lighting which is sympathetic to the an arena for cultural and leisure activities. the park contrasts with the rugged steep surrounding natural environment will be Although the seafront still has an extensive sided ravine creating a sense of enclosure used to highlight Roker Cliff, Spottee’s cultural events calendar the existing and drama. Once at the foot of the ravine Cave, Roker Bridge and the promenade spaces are poor. Redesigning this space the area suddenly opens up to reveal what shelter. This will encourage people to will provide a much improved setting for would be striking views of the beach, but explore the seafront, whilst increased existing cultural activity, including the footfall and improved illumination increase the feeling of safety. Substations masked Lighting to Roker cliff Key

Interpretation point * Play feature * Illumination feature Seating

1. Interpretation and feature lighting of caves 2. Sub-stations masked and used for interpretation 3. Artistic illumination of cliffs under bridge 4. Installation of new seating 5. Portable flexible retail pods 6. Flexible cultural space 7. New granite curved steps linking beach and promenade

*1 *2

4 * 3 * 6 5

Figure 1213 Holey Rock Corner and Roker Ravine The former seating shelter will also be Spottee’s cave opened up brought back into use. Whilst the longer term aspiration is to bring an active use back to the shelter the council will consider temporary short-term uses. To give the shelter a face-lift, panels displaying interpretation and promotional material will be installed. The image (on the page before last) shows how the shelter might look. In addition lights will be installed to illuminate the building at night.

Figure 13 illustrates the proposals for Roker Ravine and Holey Rock Corner.

Holey Rock Corner - indicative image for illustrative purposes Spottee’s Plaza The roundabout will be transformed into a experience along the coastline. Having further ﬂ exible cultural space to add to and this ﬂ exible space with the necessary The roundabout on Marine Walk is complement that of Holey Rock Corner infrastructure will allow the existing events currently a poor use of space which providing a further focal point for Marine calendar of family entertainment, historical demonstrates the way in which the area Walk’s events calendar. The opportunity re-enactments and live music to be built has come to favour the car over the needs to introduce amphitheatre seating at on in imaginative ways. of pedestrians. different levels will allow the provision of a more formal space compared to The name ‘Spottee’s Plaza’ has been Holey Rock Corner that can also be used chosen as a working title for the area. As informally day-to-day as a place simply part of the next steps for the project the to sit and watch the sea. Spottee’s Plaza public will be asked to come up with a and Holey Rock Corner can be used suitable name for this space. independently or together depending on the size of the event. When not in use as a performance space the plaza could also be populated by the Roker Pods and provide a further focal point along Marine Walk which together add to the visitor

Spottee’s Plaza Marine Plaza The steep pathways between Roker Terrace and Marine Walk make the two Marine Plaza is the main gateway for areas feel remote. Access between the people driving and cycling to Roker two will be improved with a new stairway seafront. Visitors using this gateway are creating a direct link adjacent Bungalow currently welcomed to the area with Café. obscured views of the seafront and a bland area of public realm. This area will The existing car park will be made more be opened out into a Plaza for people of welcoming with soft landscaping and new all ages. The sculpture ‘C’ which marks the surface materials. The vacant development end of the sea to sea cycle route will be site will be tidied up and turned into a the focal point surrounded by an area of temporary car park in the short-term seating where people can relax and enjoy whilst redevelopment opportunities are views of the attractive natural environment explored. and Roker pier and lighthouse. Facilities for cyclists, such as secure cycle storage will be focused in this location

Existing play on Marine Walk which currently obscures views of the sea will be removed and replaced with modern play equipment in keeping with the new Roker play park. Sonic sculptural play pieces will be located along Marine Walk to encourage children and families to travel from the park along the promenade. Play equipment will be installed on the sand and access to the beach will be improved, once again extending the Plaza on to the beach to remove the feeling of separation between the promenade and sand. 5.3 Interpretation trail 1. Roker Park - At the point at which one passes from Roker Park into the The interpretation trail is shown in Ravine, directional signage, display fi gure 14 with the key points of interest boards and possibly artwork will be identifi ed, including features such as Roker provided, welcoming and guiding Ravine, Spottee’s Cave, Roker Cliffs, Lower users to the Ravine and Roker beach Promenade, Roker pier and lighthouse, Old and, conversely, to Roker Park North Pier and the Volunteer Life Brigade depending on the direction in which Museum. they are travelling. Interpretation and maps of Roker Park and the Ravine/ Forms of interpretation may include Marine Walk (possibly incorporating bespoke display and notice boards, panels, the interpretation trail route) will be signs, vinyls, artwork, sculptures, carvings provided on the display boards. and etchings in surface materials and other structures (both existing and new). 2. Ravine/Spottee’s Cave – The A brief summary of the various points of substations which are currently historic, cultural and geological interest on eyesores in the Ravine are to be the interpretation trail and the means by clad to improve their appearance, which these may be interpreted is given probably in timber (to refl ect below:- driftwood), and feature artwork/ display signs and interpretation of the Ravine’s geology, bird life and history, provided, with particular reference to Spottee’s Cave. The cave itself may incorporate artwork/lighting which could potentially be viewed through a glazed screen in its opening. C2C way marker 3. Holey Rock Corner – The large space at the base of Roker Cliffs on the lower promenade (which was historically an arena for events and entertainment shows and is proposed in the masterplan as a key fl exible activity space) presents a key opportunity for a Pod installation and associated artwork and interpretation. This may be inspired by and interpret the rich cultural history of the space and the well-remembered Holey Rock that was a landmark feature of Roker Cliffs. 4. Lower Promenade – The shelter 7. Roker Pier – At the entrance to Roker scholar, who calculated the motion of on the lower promenade has been pier the current unsightly gate and the Sun and the Moon to set the date identifi ed by the Resorts Team to fence is proposed to be replaced of Easter, the method which is still in be utilised as a storage facility in with a major new gateway art feature, use today. Designed as a large granite the short term. It is proposed to possibly inspired by the mighty monolith, the work frames the view apply vinyl panels to the blocked-up ‘Goliath’ crane that was a landmark of Roker lighthouse and places the openings and entrance door featuring on the pier during its 18 years of end of the route fi rmly in Sunderland. montages of historic images of the construction. The mirror-polished fi nish, refl ecting area and/or advertisements of events surroundings and people nearby, has and shows on Marine Walk and the 8. Roker Lighthouse - An interpretation star constellations etched into the wider seafront. board will be displayed at the end of surface. Roker pier to provide information on 5. Roker Pods – A group of Pods the history of both the Grade II listed 11. Car park gateway – Signing/ is proposed around the fl exible lighthouse and the WW2 defence interpretation will be provided activity space that will replace the structure which is attached to the adjacent to the car park at the main current roundabout on Marine Walk. base of the lighthouse. vehicular gateway to Marine Walk. These Pods will refl ect the unique Cannonball Rock formations and 9. Volunteer Life Brigade Museum – 12. North Pier – Signing/interpretation provide appropriate interpretation of At the southern end of the upper will be provided to mark the end of the geology. promenade, external signage / Marine Walk and the main gateway to interpretation is to be provided at the the seafront for cyclists. Interpretation 6. Upper promenade/embankment – A Volunteer Life Brigade (VLB) Museum will also be provided for the existing viewing platform is proposed along (formerly the VLB’s Watch House) artwork features on the beach and the pathways on the embankment to highlight the history, courage adjacent the yacht club. just below the upper promenade. This and achievements of the VLB and will include interpretation boards/ the signifi cance of Roker’s marine artwork possibly making reference heritage generally. to the John Dobson designed Roker Hotel on Roker Terrace above and 10. c2c endpoint art feature – This its historic links to Marine Walk via feature, titled ‘C’, has been located on the pumping of water from the sea the promenade near to Adventure for its Spa Baths. Reference may also Sunderland to mark the start/end be made to how the embankment’s of the c2c cycle route. The work has Gates designed by artist Matthew Fedden formation used the earth excavated been inspired by ideas relating to to form Brunel’s North Dock. Bede, Europe’s greatest 8th century

Interpretation on the seating shelter c2c end point art feature Key

Interpretation route

Gateways

* Existing artworks * 3 * * Artworks to be refurbished 1 2* * Proposed interpretation points 4* Proposed activity space

7 * 8 Lighthouse* (off plan)

1. Interpretation board 2. Art feature (electricity sub-station) 3. Cliff feature 4. Lower promenade (former shelter) 9 10 5. Spottee’s Plaza * 6. Viewing pod * 7. Decorative gateway 8. Lighthouse interpretation board 9. Interpretation board 10. C2C art feature ‘C’ 11 Gateway feature 12. North Pier Gateway * 11

* * * *12 * * Figure 14. Interpretation route 5.4 Roker Pods It is envisaged the pods will be constructed of materials refl ective of the maritime The seafront public consultation heritage of Sunderland. Heavy timbers and highlighted the need for additional boat building technologies will be used to amenities at Roker seafront, including give the pods a robust weather resistant retail and an educational centre for surface which will ultimately be enhanced children. Many people also commented by the inevitable weathering which occurs that more interpretation is needed to in coastal locations. promote the seafront’s rich history and attractive natural environment. The As part of the fi rst phase of the Marine concept of the Roker Pods has been Walk Masterplan it is proposed a pilot developed as a way of providing these series of mobile pods are developed which amenities in a way which responds to the will be added to sustainably over time as unique natural and industrial heritage of the resort further develops. The pods will Sunderland’s coastline. populate the coastline in the same way that people do: moving up and down the The ‘Roker Pods’ are kiosks which will promenade and spilling onto the beach; be designed to refl ect the formations of and like a crowd constantly changing in rare ‘cannonball rocks’ which spill from their distribution and the activities they the cliffs onto the beach. These rocks are ‘engaged’ in. One way of keeping a are of considerable geological interest place interesting, currently and critically being found only in Sunderland and New ‘in use’ is by keeping it changing, growing Zealand. and developing in response to an evolving need, a special event or function: if it is in some sense ‘new’ on each visit. Education Pod (Artists impression) Information pod (Artists impression) Sustainability Lighting

It is essential that any new structures By night the pods will provide illuminations: Retail pod should aspire to the highest contemporary sparkling with LED’s and directional spot design standards and the pods therefore and subtle ﬂ ood lighting inserted into Retail pods selling refreshments or will be developed with a zero carbon and on the timber surface of the spheres, souvenirs will populate Marine Walk. Soft aspiration in mind. The pods have to create a more intimate ambience market testing indicates there is currently the potential to incorporate on site evocative of perhaps warmer climes. This demand for a small number of retail pods. renewable energy such as wind turbines will extend the ‘life’ of the resort into the As the project develops and the popularity and photovoltaics. Preliminary research evenings with street style cafe bars, board of the area increases potential for addi- suggests this will generate sufﬁ cient walks and restaurants populated by a tional retail pods will be explored further. energy to power the pod and also project diverse population including families who lighting from the pod onto surrounding have spent the day enjoying a range of features creating a sustainable light activities facilitated by the Roker Pods. Any display. adverse impacts the lighting may cause to biodiversity will be mitigated.

Retail Pod (Artista impression) Interpretation pod Education pod

Visitors to Marine Walk will be greeted by Education has always been central to the an interpretation pod providing envisioned uses for the pods: both for information on the areas rich cultural organised groups of school children and history and distinctive natural students studying marine life, local environment. This will increase visitors heritage and engaging in outdoor sporting awareness of Roker’s many attractions and and water-sports activities. Marine Walk is encourage them to spend longer exploring a popular area for local school groups who the area. visit the area to learn about water safety, the marine environment and geology. An education pod which will act as an onsite learning centre will encourage more school groups to visit Marine Walk and learn about the area’s distinctive natural environment.

The pods will also provide informal education: The pods give all visitors a direct experience of contemporary design and will hopefully help promote desirability around it and the use of ecological technologies. Information Pod (Artists impression)

Education pod (Artists impression) 5.5 Lighting Feature lighting burying spot LEDs randomly along the promenade, as the numbers of visitors Street lighting The seafront has a history of hosting using the promenade; varies then the spectacular light displays. Many people intensity, colour and number of lit LEDs Street lighting is an important part of any fondly remember the Sunderland could react in a differing way at each public space. Poor lighting can detract Illuminations which centred around Roker visit, thereby making each visit a unique from an area whilst good street lighting can Park and along the length of Roker Terrace experience. As each phase is designed add to the character, attractiveness and and Whitburn Road. in detail the design team will work with function of a place or space. Designs and lighting artists to incorporate feature proposals for new street lighting on Marine Feature lighting can reveal structures, lighting. Walk should consider how they fi t with the buildings, landscape and topographical wider design proposals for the area and how features; it can help defi ne routes Sustainability of lighting they can add to the character, function and and emphasise views and features. attractiveness of the area both during the The creative possibilities offered by Energy consumption, sky glow and the day and after dark. lighting, including colour, projection and cost of maintenance and equipment movement are limitless. disposal are all by-products of any lighting scheme. Any new lighting proposals and The introduction of new lighting can installations will be required to consider: also help improve the safety of an area at night time. The need to improve the the use of high effi ciency luminaires feeling of safety along the promenade was with high performance optical systems highlighted in the public consultation. with reduced light spill and light Within the masterplan area there is a trespass number of opportunities to introduce feature lighting as part of wider the use of high effi ciency lamps and improvements. Lighting of natural and LED’s man made features on Marine Walk, such as the cliff face at Holey Rock the use of energy effi cient electronic Corner, Roker Bridge, Spottee’s cave and control gear the sand will create drama. The impact lighting effects will have on roosting birds the use of fl exible control systems will be considered when deciding on its positioning. Other opportunities for feature lighting along Marine Walk include 5.6 Public realm Street furniture Surface materials

Recognising the coastal location of Marine A well designed public realm can help Surface materials that are used in this Walk, any street furniture must be chosen create a sense of place, reinforce coastal location must be durable and having considered the following criteria: pedestrian routes and link areas and able to withstand fl ooding from the sea destinations. The continuity of streetscape 1. All products/designs must be during winter storms. In addition attention design, quality of materials and how sympathetic to the coastal location must be paid to how materials are laid in well they are maintained can encourage and fi t with the masterplan vision and this area, appropriate foundations must people to extend their visit and explore objectives for the seafront at Roker. be designed and laid to ensure materials different parts of an area. don’t fail due to heavy use or sea water 2. All products/designs must be durable damage during storm conditions. A comfortable and stimulating public and able to withstand day-to-day Large areas of Marine Walk are currently realm that encourages social interaction uses, events and seawater from storm surfaced with exposed aggregate which requires detailed attention to the conditions. has withstood the demands placed on it; it structure, materials and layout of a public 3. All products/designs must consider is both durable and has a natural seafront space. ongoing maintenance requirements feel. Similar materials would be appropriate and where possible be low in this area. maintenance/maintenance free In key spaces it may be appropriate to 4. All products/designs must consider use higher quality materials, for example, the comfort of the user. granite sets. Granite sets have recently New seats and cycle racks have recently been used as the setting for the c2c end been introduced as part of the c2c piece. This material is both durable and end piece. These were chosen having attractive giving a quality feel to the area. considered the above criteria and are both The images show examples of street sympathetic to their surroundings and furniture and surface materials that might durable in terms of the materials used. The be appropriate for this area. corten steel and heavy timber slats will weather naturally and don’t require high The masterplan seeks to increase feelings maintenance. of safety and reduce crime at Marine Walk by encouraging natural surveillance, Similar seats could also be used that fi t improving lighting and removing hidden with wider design proposals for the area. areas. It is also proposed consideration will Consideration will be given to the need be given to providing CCTV in areas which to provide additional waste management suffer from anti-social behaviour. facilities, including where relevant recycling facilities and dog waste bins. 5.7 Soft landscaping Small areas of tree and shrub planting will also break up the uniformity of the banks In order to create a more natural coastal with the use of Scots Pine and Juniper, the feel to Marine Walk it is proposed to latter of which is native to the Durham introduce additional soft landscaping. coast.

Planting is to be introduced to the The images show examples of beach surrounds to the car parks and the edge grasses and other landscaping. of Marine Walk to give a softer coastal feel to the area. Planting is to comprise native grasses and perennial plants. Further options to improve the biodiversity of the area will be explored. A maintence plan will be produced for new planting to ensure it is well maintained.

There is an opportunity to introduce planting to the existing grass bank which at present is a large expanse of mown grass. Sections of the steeper sided banks are to be maintained as neutral unimproved grassland by cutting and removal of arisings. 5.8 Development principles and leisure activity and tourism. Uses which Respond to Marine Walk’s landscape parameters are likely to help activate Marine Walk and context and take advantage of its its environment i.e. cafes and restaurants coastal location The following section sets out a which provide outdoor seating etc, will also framework of development principles and be encouraged to help reinforce the Maximise coastal views parameters for the Marine Walk connectivity between buildings and the Masterplan area. They should be public realm. The council will actively Respond to the setting of the listed considered and fully refl ected through the encourage opportunities for new buildings in and around the SPD area, formulation of detailed proposals for both tourist initiatives, especially when they are including the Grade II Listed Roker pier new development and the near existing areas of visitor interest. The and lighthouse redevelopment of existing buildings within council will look favourably on this site. The Marine Walk Masterplan development proposals incorporating Form a high quality and active edge identifi es the vacant site north of amenities which support the recreational to the coast, animating the promenade Adventure Sunderland as a potential use of the seafront, for example changing, through windows and other features development site. Should developers wish showering and foot washing facilities. to put forward other potential locations for All development proposals should development the council will consider the Design consider the risk of fl ooding to suitability of these locations against the premises and people and be designed principles set out below. The Sequential In terms of the design of the scheme(s) to mitigate fl ood risk by incorporating Approach (i.e locating development in the brought forward on the site, all develop- sustainable drainage systems and lowest fl ood risk areas) will be adopted ment proposals are required to: where necessary, fl ood resilience in line with Planning Policy Statement 25 measures when considering the suitability of sites. Take an innovative approach to the design of new buildings that refl ects Overall, development proposals should Mix of uses and reinforces the area’s distinctive promote a sense of security through character, conservation area status good natural surveillance and a high Developments at Marine Walk must and beach front location quality lighting strategy complement adopted planning and design policy which sets out a desire to achieve a Take infl uence from the best elements range of cultural and tourism uses to of the surrounding built form and provide a safe and pleasant environment incorporate contemporary architecture for all. As stated in UDP policy NA26 that responds to the locality (Coastal and Seafront Zone) the coastal zone, incorporating Marine Walk, will be The scale and massing must respond developed and enhanced to to the surrounding development and accommodate a range of indoor and landscape. Building heights should be outdoor facilities providing a focus for no higher than the existing built form Materials Access and servicing Be designed so that their orientation maximises solar gain, to provide For any proposals it is a requirement that In respect of access and servicing, protection from prevailing winds and materials: development should adhere to the to respect the landscape and following principles: townscape context Demonstrate a careful consideration Give consideration to the use of of the existing character of the area Utilise existing vehicular routes and car design materials from renewable and ensure appropriate materials parking wherever possible sources and should have “low are chosen which allow new buildings embodied energy” to integrate and add to the overall to avoid the establishment of an character of the seafront environment that is dominated Sourced materials locally where by parked vehicles. Parking possible Designs could suitably draw inspiration requirements should be established Consider low energy solutions and from the timber framed buildings with the City Council through alternative energy solutions that characterised original forms of discussions at the pre-application development on the promenade as a stage Use daylight or natural light (to reference to the area’s history, albeit in minimise artifi cial lighting) through well a contemporary design Development must seek to be designed windows and roof lights inclusive, as a minimum complying Incorporate recycling storage facilities Utilise high quality, durable and with the standards set out in the for waste as integral parts of the aesthetically pleasing natural and Disability Discrimination Act 2005 buildings including potential for manmade materials which are able to composting facilities. withstand day-to-day uses and the Discretely accommodate service marine environment including access, cars and bicycles. Consider the potential of the proposed seawater from storm events Where possible service areas should be development to generate additional concealed from view and secured by waste from increased visitor numbers All buildings should be designed to walls and or gates and how this can be mitigated maximise energy effi ciency and reduce maintenance Sustainable development Consider the use of water conserving devices and rainwater recycling as part All design solutions should strive for of the building; environmentally conscious buildings, Consider sustainable urban drainage promoting sustainable energy use and systems (in accordance with Regional sustainable building techniques and take Spatial Strategy policy) into account the lifetime cost of the buildings. Development proposals should, Consider the inclusion of green roof therefore: technology. Not only do green roofs have environmental benefi ts they can also have visual benefi ts reducing the impact of development in sensitive locations

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6.0 Delivery

.6.1 Sustainability Measures will be taken to ensure delivery All new development proposals of the masterplan will not impact on should achieve high energy effi ciency Sustainability has been integral to bird species that nest on the Roker and minimise energy consumption. the development of the Marine Walk and Seaburn coastline. Studies will be Accordingly, as a minimum, ‘very good’ masterplan. Sunderland City Council undertaken to determine any sensitive ratings should be achieved in any new commissioned consultants Scott areas where construction should be timed buildings, when measured against Wilson to undertake a Sustainability accordingly. Timing of works will recognise BREEAM standards. Wherever feasible, Appraisal, incorporating Strategic impacts on any birds breeding in the area ‘excellent’ ratings should be achieved. Environmental Assessment, to identify (protected under Wildlife and Countryside Any new development proposal should the likely signifi cant social, economic Act 1981) and birds for which the SSSI is achieve 10% of its energy supply from and environment effects of the notifi ed. renewable sources embedded within Masterplan and the extent to which it the development unless it can be will meet sustainability objectives. The To ensure increased use of the coast line demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the recommendations of the Sustainability does not lead to disturbance to wintering City Council, that this is not feasible. Appraisal have been integrated into birds Natural England will be consulted this masterplan. In addition Scott as detailed designs are developed, and if All new buildings, retail facilities and public Wilson undertook a Habitats Regulation necessary wintering bird surveys will be conveniences along Marine Walk should Assessment to enable the Planning undertaken. adopt sustainable water treatments if Authority to ascertain that no adverse possible and ensure no waste water is effect on the site will result from Particular consideration was given to fl ood discharged directly into coastal drainage implementation of the masterplan. risk and coastal erosion which are key channels. Sustainable drainage measures issues as our climate changes and sea (SuDS) should be used along Marine levels rise. In March 2006 JBA Consulting Walk to prevent localised fl ooding of was commissioned by Sunderland City the pathways and subsequently an Wind turbine Council, in partnership with regional uncontrolled, potentially polluted, runoff councils, to undertake the Tyne and Wear during high rainfall events. Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. The assessment highlighted areas which would The council will explore with local bus be at risk of fl ooding over the next 50 operators opportunities to improve bus years. The Shoreline Management Plan 2 links to the seafront. Pedestrian and cycle for Sunderland has a long term policy of routes will be enhanced and signing at holding the line with regard to the sea wall nearby metro stations will be improved to defences along Marine Walk. To enable this encourage people to travel to the seafront policy to be adhered to the Whitburn Bay using sustainable forms of transport. to Ryhope Coastal Strategy Review is to be undertaken, which will include developing This masterplan has been informed by a 5 year priority works plan with costs and soft market testing, and workshops have programme. In developing the masterplan been undertaken with local businesses, Solar panel specialist guidance on fl ood risk and to ensure proposals are economically coastal erosion has been sought to ensure sustainable. All development proposals the masterplan mitigates fl ood risk to must be subject to a robust business plan. premises and people. 6.2 Equality and diversity 6.3 Timescales and phasing 6.4 Maintenance A key objective of this masterplan is to The draft masterplan underwent create an area which is physically and public consultation during August High quality and robust materials suited intellectually accessible. The design and September 2009. Following the to the coastal environment will be used team sought to go beyond the minimum consultation all comments received which require minimal maintenance. A standards of accessibility as set out in were considered and the masterplan was maintenance plan will be developed to the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 amended as necessary before being taken accompany detailed proposals for each and 2005. To ensure the masterplan forward for adoption as a Supplementary phase of works. Operatives will be trained will improve access to the seafront, Planning Document. The adopted where specialist maintenance is required. guidance was sought from Sunderland’s masterplan will be a material consideration The council is investing in the Independent Advisory Groups (IAG). when assessing development proposals at maintenance and refurbishment of There are seven IAGs in Sunderland Marine Walk. The masterplan will ensure existing artwork, including St Peter’s representing ‘hard to reach’ groups. The a co-ordinated approach is taken to the Sculpture Trail. It is proposed a separate Disability Alliance of Sunderland (DAS), redevelopment of Marine Walk, which will maintenance budget will be established to Youth Parliament and Older People IAG kick-start the wider regeneration of the maintain artwork throughout the city. expressed an interest in participating in seafront. the consultation. This led to a number of workshops taking place including a site An indicative phasing plan is shown in visit to Marine Walk with the DAS and the fi gure 15. It is proposed the initial phase of design team responsible for developing development will be undertaken at Roker the masterplan. This allowed the design Ravine and Holey Rock corner, to build team to better understand the issues on the improvements which have already . disabled people face when visiting the been undertaken to Roker Play Park, seafront. creating an attractive and unique route which draws people down to the seafront. Sunderland City Council undertakes Following this phase 1B will address the Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) on new roundabout shown as Spottee’s Plaza on and existing services, functions, major the masterplan. Later phases of work will projects and policies to demonstrate move progressively from north to south equality in everything it does. In down Marine Walk fi nally linking with St keeping with this policy the Marine Walk Peter’s Sculpture Trail. masterplan has been subject to a full EIA which will be continually reviewed and The council is actively pursuing both updated as the project develops. internal and external funding opportunities to ensure the delivery of each phase. As the delivery mechanism becomes clearer a detailed plan will be set out. Phase 1a

Phase 1b Phase 3

Phase 2

Phase 3

Figure 15. Phasing diagram 6.5 Delivery vehicle Pre-application discussions Design and access statement Pre-applications discussions are This document sets a framework for In accordance with government guidance, encouraged to resolve any issues arising the regeneration of the Marine Walk a Design and Access Statement is from this guidance. Developers are Masterplan study area. Developers should required to accompany most new encouraged to engage in positive dialogue take note of the key principles that are planning applications. The purpose of with the City Council throughout the pre- contained within the masterplan, and Design and Access Statements is to planning process. ensure that they are fully refl ected in all describe and illustrate the design thinking subsequent planning applications for Planning application requirements behind a proposal and to explain how development in this area. the proposed design solution has been Planning applications within the study area informed by the key principles of good This masterplan gives specifi c guidance are to be accompanied by documentation design. Design and Access Statements in relation to the form, use, nature and which fully assesses the implications of the for development within the masterplan quality of development. This will ensure development upon the physical, historic area should set out the way in which that high quality development is delivered, and natural environment. The Tyne and a development will contribute towards capable of raising the profi le of the Wear Validation Checklist sets out the meeting the requirements of current seafront and improving the economic relevant supporting documentation which policy, frameworks and guidance, vibrancy of the area. It also provides the will be required (this document can be including this masterplan. In particular, link to and expands upon the overarching accessed at www.sunderland.gov.uk via the Design and Access Statement provisions of the relevant policies in the the Development Control web page). Sunderland UDP. should clearly demonstrate that the Planning applications may need to be development proposal has had regard to This masterplan is to act as a supporting accompanied by the following, however the design principles set out in Section document for funding bids, guiding this should be verifi ed by consulting the 5. All Design and Access statements investment at the seafront to ensure the Tyne and Wear Checklist: should be prepared in line with the City regeneration of Marine Walk is undertaken Council’s Design and Access Statement A Design and Access Statement in a cohesive and joined up manner. Supplementary Planning Document. indicating how the proposal fulfi ls the Further advice can be provided by the City requirements of this masterplan Council on request or through A Transportation Assessment and pre-application discussions. Travel Plan Heritage statement A Sustainability Statement including energy assessment and renewable For applications that involve the physical energy study alteration of historic buildings/structures A Consultation Statement or changes to the settings of listed buildings or the Roker Park Conservation A Noise Assessment Area; a written Heritage Statement will be A site investigation report to assess required. The Tyne and Wear validation ground stability and the potential for checklist provided by the County mine gas in accordance with PPG14 Archaeologist is a good guide to what should be within a heritage statement. A Flood Risk Assessment to assess the This should include plans showing historic risks of all forms of fl ooding to and buildings/ structures that may be affected from development in accordance with by the development (both within and PPS25 outside of the application site) including listed buildings, and an analysis of the A landscape design strategy signifi cance of affected building(s)/ structure(s). The Statement should A health impact assessment clearly articulate the design principles for the development and set out how the development has responded to the physical fabric and/ or setting of the A Travel Plan is a report outlining the way affected building(s). The scope and in which the transport implications of the detail of the Heritage Statement will vary development are going to be managed in according to the particular circumstances order to ensure the minimum of each application. Applicants are strongly environmental, social and economic advised to discuss proposals with a impacts. planning offi cer and/or a conservation offi cer before any application is made; the The need for a Transport Assessment, council may ask other relevant parties Transport Statement or Travel Plan should such as English Heritage to join these be ascertained in pre-application advice, discussions. A full archaeological desk- having regard to the thresholds set out in based assessment will also be required section 36 of the document ‘The for any development proposals which will Validation of Planning Applications in Tyne impact on the caves, the Bungalow Cafe, and Wear.’ available from www.southtyne- the Life Brigade Watch House or the two side.info/search/tempDocuments piers. Further advice can be obtained from /tmp_53381.pdf English Heritage’s ‘A Charter for English Heritage Advisory Services’ and the joint Consultation statement English Heritage and CABE guidance ‘Building in Context’ available from the Applications should be accompanied by following website. www.english-heritage. a Consultation Statement, which sets out org.uk the methods and nature of pre-application consultation with residents and Transport assessment and travel plan stakeholders. The Consultation Statement should set out how the A Transport Assessment will be required methods employed comply with the for development proposals which are provisions of the Council’s Statement of likely to have signifi cant transport impacts. Community Involvement (SCI) Its purpose would be to quantify and assess the impact of the proposals on Developer contributions traffi c movement and highway safety; to assess how the development could be Developers will be encouraged to engage accessed by alternative transport modes with Sunderland City Council at an early and how such alternative modes would be stage to negotiate the need for planning promoted. obligations under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 A Transport Statement will be required (as amended). Planning obligations that when the development is expected to benefi t the sustainability of the proposed generate relatively low numbers of trips scheme will be discussed, including any or traffi c fl ows with minor transport necessary infrastructure requirements. impacts. Its purpose would be to cover matters such as trip generation resulting Review from the development, improvements to site accessibility, car parking provision There is a need for the Marine Walk and internal vehicular circulation, traffi c Masterplan to be periodically reviewed impacts of servicing requirements and as circumstances dictate. This will allow the net level of change over any current amendments to be made to refl ect future development within the site. changes in national or regional planning guidance, local planning, economic and

Annex 1 Policy Context

National policy effective protection for all aspects of the The government produced the Good historic environment: the formulation Practice Guide to Tourism to ensure The government has prepared Planning of planning policies and delivery of the planners understand the importance of Policy Guidance Notes (PPG) and development control function by local tourism and take it fully into account when Planning Policy Statements (PPS) to planning authorities should afford this preparing development plans. The guide provide guidance to local authorities objective ‘special consideration’. Grade I states planning should take a proactive on national planning policy. PPG20 on and II* Listed Buildings are of particularly role in implementing development that Coastal Planning relates specifi cally to the great importance to the nation’s built ensures the tourism industry can develop seafront and emphasises the importance heritage and their signifi cance is generally and survive by considering market of reconciling development requirements to be beyond question; nonetheless there demand, sustainability, environmental with the need to protect, conserve and is a presumption that all Listed Buildings impact, transport and accessibility, where appropriate improve the landscape, are to be preserved and enhanced, regeneration benefi ts, labour supply and environmental quality, wildlife habitats and regardless of grade. The PPG also functional links. Planning authorities need recreational opportunities of the coast. provides guidance on the assessment, to engage the tourism industry and It states that planning policies should designation and management of change community in consultations to ensure improve the attraction of resorts by in conservation areas. that there is a need for new facilities. New designating land for new functions and development should be attractive and in PPG17: Planning for open space, sport and activities, whilst avoiding putting keeping with the local context. development at risk from erosion or recreation acknowledges some sporting activities rely on particular natural features fl ooding. On 4 December 2008 the Government and water. Local authorities should ensure introduced the Marine and Coastal Access PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological access for sport and recreation purposes Bill into Parliament. The Bill helps fulfi ll the Conservation sets out the Government’s is not restricted and where possible Government’s 2005 election manifesto vision for conserving and enhancing enhanced, whilst ensuring the visual commitments to introduce a new biological diversity in England. To ensure amenity, heritage and nature conservation framework for the seas based on marine planning decisions on biodiversity value of water resources are protected. and geological conservation are fully spatial planning, that balances considered, local planning authorities must PPS25: Planning and Flood Risk was conservation, energy and resource needs, consider the environmental characteristics published in 2005 in light of the potential and to improve access to the English of their area and ensure appropriate consequences of future climate change. coast. Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal weight is attached to designated sites To ensure development is sustainable Access Bill places a duty on the Secretary of international, national and local PPS25 states land which is at risk of of State and Natural England to secure a importance and protected species. Plan fl ooding should be identifi ed, and undergo long distance route (“the English coastal policies should promote opportunities a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment as route”) and land available for open-air to incorporate benefi cial biodiversity and part of the Sustainability Appraisal. recreation accessible to the public around geological features within the design of Development should only be permitted the coast of England. In doing so the Bill development. in fl ood risk areas when there are no amends existing legislation – namely the reasonable available sites in areas of lower National Parks and Access to the PPG15: Planning and the historic fl ood risk and benefi ts of the development Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside environment states there should be outweigh the risk from fl ooding. and Rights of Way Act 2000. The Shoreline Management Plan and overseas visitors to the region. Policy will be used to promote tourism in the acknowledges that between South 16 of the RSS states strategies, plans and North East. Actions to improve the tourism Tyneside and Sunderland there is programmes should develop policies to offer specifi c to Sunderland include increasing pressure on sea defences, with promote culture and tourism, by: building on the events calendar, improving the potential threat of the low water public realm and promoting iconic public moving landward and causing a) Improving the fi rst impressions gained art at key gateways. steepening of beaches, increased by visitors arriving and passing through pressure on sea defences and loss of the region In 2006, to enable the delivery of the Tourism amenity. The plan recommends the need Strategy, ONE commissioned consultants b) Ensuring that the development of to build greater width into the defence to develop a vision and high level culture and tourist facilities and systems to take account of this; either, in action plan to guide tourism development attractions protects, enhances and the case of areas of Sunderland, by along the region’s coast, this was set out maintains the region’s natural, built and allowing or looking for opportunity to in the document ‘A Framework for North heritage environments create width for retreat of defences or, in East England’s Coastal Visitor Economy.’ the case of north Sunderland, by c) Encouraging cultural and tourism The Framework identifi es opportunities attempting to manage the beaches to developments that benefi t the local specifi c to Sunderland. It recommends greater effect. Where feasible, the plan economy, people and environment Sunderland builds on its track record of has recommended no further construction without diminishing the attractiveness organising events by creating a heightened of defences, allowing the cliffs to erode of the place visited programme of small scale events to be naturally, but this requires full involvement complemented by the provision of seafront with the planning authorities in controlling d) Ensuring that the identifi cation and facilities and improved infrastructure. land use. development of cultural and Investment in art and heritage was seen as tourist facilities is guided by the a way to strengthen Sunderland’s market. Policies which impact on the Marine Walk principles of sustainability and Masterplan area: information on market demand The Local Transport Plan 2 (LTP 2) provides a strategic response to the spatial 6.1 Whitburn Cliffs - no change e) Encouraging the protection, and transport patterns of the Tyne and enhancement and investment in the Wear area from 2006 to 2011. The LTP 6.2 The Bents - provide additional near region’s existing facilities, particularly shore protection 2 seeks to deliver the following strategic the intrinsic natural qualities of the objectives: North East’s, landscape and wildlife 6.3 South Bents/Seaburn - maintain defences and improve beach control. f) Ensuring all major cultural and tourism Maintaining and improving levels of attractions and services are accessible personal accessibility and linkages 6.4 Parson’s Rock - eventually removing by a range of transport modes to within, between and beyond the defences improve links to develop the region as boundaries of Tyne and Wear an integrated visitor destination 6.5 Marine Walk - maintain defences and Ensuring transport systems, especially improve beach control g) Encouraging the creation of public transport networks, are safe, concentrations of culture and tourism secure and free from the fear of crime Regional Policy related development within sustainable whilst reducing the incidence and The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) sets locations to contribute to wider severity of transport-related accidents out a long-term strategy for the spatial regeneration objectives and casualties development of the north east. It provides The North East Tourism Strategy 2005 - Tackling transport ineffi ciency arising a spatial context for the delivery of other 2010 has been prepared on behalf of the regional strategies, in particular, the from excessive demands and region by the North East Tourism Advisory operational constraints on transport Regional Economic Strategy, Regional Board. The coastline with its distinctive Image Strategy and Regional Cultural systems by delivering sustainable landscape and heritage is identifi ed as measures to combat congestion Strategy. The intrinsic quality of areas such being key to growing the region’s as the north east coast are considered domestic market. Heritage and coast is critical to ensuring an increase in domestic therefore one of four themes which Reducing the adverse impacts of plan for organisations and businesses Local Strategies transport on our environment, involved in the management, especially with regard to air development and promotion of Tyne and The Local Development Framework (LDF) quality, noise and its contribution to Wear’s visitor experience. The is the spatial planning mechanism to help climate change and resource Management Plan seeks to deliver the deliver the Sunderland Strategy. It will consumption North East Tourism Strategy at a ultimately replace the currently adopted sub-regional level. The renaissance of Unitary Development Plan. The council is Partnership Strategies Sunderland is seen as having huge currently consulting on the issues and potential in building Tyne and Wear’s options stage of the Core Strategy, which Tyne and Wear Coastal Partnership, visitor economy. The vision is: Tyne will lie at the heart of the LDF setting out comprising representatives from and Wear’s visitor destinations will be the overarching strategic planning Sunderland City Council, North Tyneside renowned for the cultural experience, the framework for the city up to 2021. Council and South Tyneside Council, city experience and the coastal experience commissioned consultants to produce they offer, attracting leisure and business The relevant saved policies of the adopted the Tyne and Wear Coastal Regeneration visitors from all over the UK and from Unitary Development Plan (UDP) apply to Strategy in 2004. This report summarises overseas. This brings economic benefi t the seafront until superseded by policies the main fi ndings and conclusions from through expenditure and jobs and - just as in the LDF. It is proposed that the Marine an extensive process of research, analysis importantly - provides a major contribution Walk Masterplan will be adopted as a and consultation aimed at identifying the to the regeneration, quality of life and Supplementary Planning Document to extent to which tourism impacts on the pride of our communities. UDP policies NA26, EC8 and EC9, as set local economy and the options for future out below. The Sunderland Strategy 2008 – 2025, the development of the sector. The study overarching strategy for the city produced found the Tyne and Wear coast is mostly NA26 (Coastal and Seafront Zone) ‘The by the Sunderland Partnership, states by visited by regional day visitors; however, seafront zone between the river mouth 2025 Roker will have a key role in there is a small core of high value visitors. and the city boundary with South providing cultural and tourism attractions, Tyneside will be developed and enhanced creating an attractive, accessible and The Strategy outlined the main areas for to accommodate a range of indoor and desirable destination. action being image, transport, jobs and outdoor facilities providing a focus for skills, partnership working and The Sunderland Image Strategy 2008 - leisure activity and tourism serving the complementary product development. 2025 sets out Sunderland’s brand values region. Any new development should, by The main recommendations of the report – life enhancing, smart and balanced. It the quality of its design, retain and if are to concentrate on the development of recognises the seafront as an underused possible enhance the underlying character key tourism products, based on: resource. Sunderland is to be promoted of the zone. The following measures will as a city by the sea offering a high quality be undertaken: Maritime and coastal activities of life. The Sunderland arc business plan 2008 outlines Sunderland’s Urban a) Within the coastal zone, defi ned as History and heritage Regeneration Company’s overarching that area to the east of the A183 the strategies to regenerate the city attracting existing open spaces and associated Events and sport new residents, investors and visitors, to areas will be retained for passive create a sustainable Sunderland. recreational use; the zone will be Business tourism protected and enhanced by The Durham Biodiversity Action Plan environmental improvements which (DBAP) was produced in June 2007 by the Developing a range of niche tourism retain unspoilt views. Coast related Durham Biodiversity Partnership. The DBAP products commercial or leisure development will contains a series of work-plans to help be allowed within the zone in species and habitats in the Durham Area This informed the development of the accordance with policy EN13, if it that are considered to be under threat Tourism Management Plan 2008 - 2011 utilises an existing structure surplus to locally, nationally or internationally. by the Area Tourism Partnership for the requirements or is in locations at the Tyne and Wear sub-region, as an action north dock or Marine Walk b) New development elsewhere within In 2007 the council adopted the Roker Objective 5: To secure the conservation of the seafront zone will be allowed as Park Conservation Area Character historic properties and features on Roker follows: Appraisal and Management Strategy Seafront to preserve and enhance its (CAMS) as planning guidance. Roker Park essential character as a Victorian seaside Commercial/leisure development Conservation Area was designated in resort, the council will encourage will be limited to locations in the 1995, in recognition of the area’s proposals to restore, adapt and convert vicinity of the Seaburn Centre and at architectural and historic interest, and historic properties along Roker Terrace Queen’s Parade. further extended in 2007 as described and South Cliff into acceptable alternative The existing open space/parkland below and in section 2.1. In line with uses, particularly where this includes the areas at Roker Park, Seaburn Park and PPG15 the CAMS has been produced restoration of building facades. Seaburn Camp will be further to provide a framework against which Objective 6: To secure the appropriate upgraded.’ development proposals can be assessed enhancement of the lower promenade as for their appropriateness in the historic Conversions of large houses to other an area of activity and distinctive character environment. It sets out seven uses will be given favourable through high quality and innovative management objectives which are consideration provided that they: building designs and high quality, outlined below. co-ordinated environmental 1 Will make a positive contribution to the Objective 1: To make the extent of Roker improvements in all development tourism/recreational development of Park Conservation Area more proposals for Marine Walk. the seafront meaningful so as to encompass related Objective 7: To ensure the survival of key 2 Can be satisfactorily accommodated heritage assets and areas intrinsically historic features in any development without detriment to the amenity of linked to the special interest of the proposals for the Backland Area and to adjacent properties or the general Conservation Area, by extending its secure distinctive forms of buildings that environment boundary eastwards to include Roker pier enhance the area, the council will require a and lighthouse; and southwards to include 3 Have due regard to the character of comprehensive, co-ordinated and the whole of Marine Walk, and land to the the Roker Park Conservation Area innovative design approach to the area’s east of Pier View. development which satisfi es design EC8 (Tourist Facilities) – The council will requirements outlined in the management support the expansion of activities catering Objective 2: To manage and enhance the strategy. for tourists and other visitors by: special historic interest of Roker Park in accordance with its ‘Registered’ status. The The council has also produced a number I. Identifying, consolidating and council will investigate, in conjunction with of policy documents which directly safe-guarding attractions local amenity groups, sources of funding infl uence the management of the seafront, II. Refusing proposals which would have to assist with the repair, restoration and in including Sunderland’s Cultural Masterplan an adverse impact on tourist reinstatement of features of historic sets aims and objectives which will attractions interest in the Park. contribute to establishing Sunderland as a city with a distinct identity in the region. III. Actively encouraging opportunities for Objective 3: To ensure the preservation of Seaburn and Roker will contribute to this new touristm initiatives, especially the architectural integrity of the terraces identity through their development where they are near existing areas of around Roker Park for the future via Article visitor interest 4(2) Directions, which remove certain and maintenance as clean and attractive permitted development rights. resorts. Following on from this a public IV. Providing cycle and car parking for consultation on the seafront was carried visitors, and footpaths and Objective 4: To preserve the historic integ- out in 2004 which informed the report interpretative facilities at tourist rity and garden settings of villas within the “The Coastline as a Cultural Resource”. attractions Conservation Area, the council will resist proposals for the redevelopment The report gave recommendations on .EC9 (Tourist Facilities) – Hotels, confer- of historic villas and their grounds, in the how to improve the seafront, including ence centres and similar facilities will nor- interest of preserving the key contribution enhancing the environmental quality and mally be permitted on sites well related to they make to the area’s built and attractiveness of the seafront, better the primary road network, and in associa- landscape character. security and signage. tion with major recreational and leisure developments.