New Wear Footbridge Heritage Statement Sunderland City Council
15 December 2020
SCC-NWF-ATK-SGN-RP-LH-000108
New Wear Footbridge, Sunderland
Heritage Statement
Client: ATKINS
AB Heritage Project No: 61354
Date: 14/12/2020
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
New Wear Footbridge, Sunderland Heritage Statement
Client Atkins
Project Number 61354
Prepared By Leanne Tindle & Daniel Dodds
Illustrated By Pighill Illustrations
Approved By Andy Buckley
Rev Number Description Undertaken Approved Date
1.0 Draft LT & DD AB 08/12/2020
2.0 Final LT & DD AB 14/12/2020
This document has been prepared in accordance with AB Heritage standard operating procedures. It remains confidential and the copyright of AB Heritage Limited. Any unauthorised reproduction or usage by any person other than the addressee is strictly prohibited
Enquiries To:
AB Heritage Limited (Head Office)
Jarrow Business Centre, Rolling Mill Road
Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 3DT
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 03333 440 206
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction ...... 6
1.1 Project Background ...... 6
1.2 Site Location & Description ...... 6
1.3 Overview of Proposed Development ...... 7
1.4 Planning Background & Consultation ...... 7
1.5 Project Qualifiers ...... 8
2. Aims & Methodology ...... 9
2.1 Aims of Report ...... 9
2.2 Methodology ...... 9
3. Planning & Legislative framework ...... 14
3.1 Heritage Legislation ...... 14
3.2 National Planning Policy 2019 ...... 14
3.3 Local Planning Policy...... 14
4. Heritage Review of the site ...... 16
4.1 Historic Development of the Site & Surrounding Area ...... 16
4.2 Current Site Condition ...... 22
5. Statement of Significance ...... 29
5.1 Focus of Study ...... 29
5.2 The Wearmouth Bridge - Grade II Listed ...... 29
5.3 The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge - Grade II Listed...... 31
5.4 The N.E.R Stables - Grade II Listed ...... 32
5.5 Summary of Heritage Significance ...... 33
6. Impact Assessment ...... 35
6.1 Details of Proposed Development ...... 35
6.2 Predicted Impact of Proposed Development ...... 35
6.3 Summary ...... 36
7. Recommendations & Conclusions ...... 38
7.1 Outline Recommendations ...... 38
7.2 Conclusion ...... 38
8. References ...... 40
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FIGURES
Figure 1: Site Location Plan
Figure 2: Cultural Heritage Features Map
TABLES
Table 1: Examination of Appropriate Sources
Table 2: Assessing the Importance of a Heritage Asset
Table 3: Criteria for Determining Magnitude of Impact
Table 4: Significance of Effects
PLATES
Plate 1: The Projected Line of the New Wear Footbridge
Plate 2: The Original Settlements of the City of Sunderland
Plate 3: Rowland Burdon’s Wearmouth Bridge
Plate 4: Six-Inch OS Map of 1862
Plate 5: 25-Inch OS Map of 1897
Plate 6: 25-Inch OS Map of 1919
Plate 7: The Wearmouth Bridge, Lambton, and Hetton Staithes in 1928
Plate 8: 25-Inch OS Map of 1946
Plate 9: View of the Wearmouth Bridge and Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge in 1949
Plate 10: Aerial View of the Proposal Site
PHOTOS
Photo 1: The View Eastwards from the South Bank of the River Wear
Photo 2: The View Northwards from the Proposed South Bank Abutment
Photo 3: The View South West of the Proposed South Bank Abutment
Photo 4: The View Westwards Looking Towards the Proposed Footbridge Location
Photo 5: The View Eastwards of the Proposed New Footbridge
Photo 6: The View Westwards Towards the Bridges and Proposed Footbridge
Photo 7: The Grade II Listed Former N.E.R Stables
Photo 8: The View Northwards of the Proposed North Bank Abutment
Photo 9: The View Southwards Towards the Proposed North Bank Abutment
Photo 10: The Grade II Listed Former N.E.R Stables
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Photo 11: The Wearmouth Bridge
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Historic Environment Gazetteer
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AB Heritage Limited has been commissioned by Atkins to produce a Heritage Statement covering proposed works for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Wear in Sunderland, forming part of the Riverside Sunderland Regeneration Scheme.
The proposed New Wear Footbridge will be a high-level footbridge that will carry the Keel Line, which radiates out from the Keel Square in the City Centre, across the River Wear from an abutment adjacent to the Beam development at the former Vaux site. The Keel Line will land on the north bank at the southern corner of Easington Street, where it will be carried c. 195m north to the Stadium of Light.
The report has identified that the Grade II Listed Wearmouth Bridge, Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge, and the former N.E.R. Stables have the potential to be affected by the proposed new bridge through development in their heritage settings.
The proposed new development will create a new addition to the small group of bridges at this part of the River Wear, which will afford the opportunity for a new appreciation of the existing historic bridges. The new views of the iconic Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge and the Wearmouth Bridge possible from the new bridge, would allow a more considered appreciation than those glimpsed from fixed points on land or from vehicles passing over the road and rail bridges. The proposed new bridge is considered to have a Moderate Beneficial Magnitude of Impact to the significance of the historic wear bridges.
The proposed new footbridge will be located to the south of the Grade II Listed former N.E.R. Stables. This is a heritage asset of High significance because of its special architectural and historic interest. These special interests derive from the quality of the architectural appearance and from association with William Bell, the chief architect of the North Eastern Railway.
The proposed new abutment will require the improvement of a currently redundant and overgrown site within a few metres of the Listed Building. The proposed works will make way for the inclusion of the Keel Line within the setting of the Listed Building, which would result in a dramatic increase in awareness of the special architectural and historic interest of the former N.E.R. Stables. Overall, the proposed new footbridge is considered to be a Moderate Beneficial Magnitude of Impact to the significance of the Listed Buildings through improvements in its setting and its exposure to a wider public.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
1.1.1 AB Heritage Limited has been commissioned by Atkins to produce a Heritage Statement covering proposed works for a new high-level pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Wear in Sunderland, forming part of the Riverside Sunderland Regeneration Scheme.
1.1.2 AB Heritage has been commissioned to focus purely on the above ground heritage in relation to the proposed development and not the below ground archaeology, which is being undertaken by another company.
1.1.3 This report includes a description of the baseline conditions, from an examination of readily available sources on the history of the site, identifying any known and potential heritage receptors subject to potential impact. It proposes a suitable mitigation strategy, where such works are deemed appropriate.
1.2 Site Location & Description
1.2.1 The site location of the proposed development is within the City of Sunderland and proposals include the construction of a new cycle and footbridge spanning the River Wear from the Vaux / Galleys Gill development site on the south side and the Sheepfolds area on the north side. The approximate proposed bridge centre-point is at NGR NZ 3938 5744.
1.2.2 The proposed new footbridge would span the River Wear to the west of the Wearmouth Bridge and Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge (Plate 1).
Plate 1. The Projected Line of the New Wear Footbridge (Google Earth, 2020)
1.2.3 The River Wear cuts through the landscape of Sunderland creating a wide river channel with sloping banks on either side, some steeper in certain places than others. The current topography on either side of the river is characterised by green, sloping river leading upwards
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from the river channel and moulded in part by the industrial processes like the lower ground of Exhibition Park to the west of the proposed bridge.
1.2.4 The proposed abutment on the south bank of the river would sit within the Vaux / Galleys Gill area currently being redeveloped and follow the Keel Line outwards across the river. The site is bound on the north by a steep green bank, on the east and south by the Town Centre of Sunderland and on the west by Exhibition Park. The proposed elevation of the abutment sits at c. 31m above sea level.
1.2.5 The proposed abutment on the north bank of the river would sit on the south west corner of Easington Street, bound on the north by Easington Road The proposal site is also bound on the east by an industrial park and on the south and west by a gradual slope down to the River Wear. The proposed elevation of the abutment is c. 28m above sea level.
1.3 Overview of Proposed Development
1.3.1 The bridge will span c. 270m across the River Wear and will be supported by piers constructed on the north and south banks, to avoid impacts within the riverbed.
1.3.2 The proposed New Wear Footbridge will be a high-level footbridge that will carry the Keel Line, which radiates out from the Keel Square in the City Centre, across the River Wear from an abutment adjacent to the Beam development at the former Vaux site. The Keel Line will land on the north bank at the southern corner of Easington Street, where it will be carried c. 195m north to the Stadium of Light.
1.3.3 The engineering details are presented as Option 1 in the document New Wear Footbridge Options Study Report (Atkins, September 2020).
1.4 Planning Background & Consultation
1.4.1 The client (Aktins) received pre-application advice from Sunderland City Council on 6th November 2020 (Sunderland City Council, 2020). The advice identifies a number of heritage assets that have the potential to be affected by the proposed development, these include the Listed N.E.R stables [AB 3], the Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1], the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2] and the former Wearmouth Colliery Staithes [AB 5] (all Grade II Listed Buildings).
1.4.2 The advice also details consultation with the Council’s Built Heritage Officer, who noted that a Heritage Statement would be required to assess the significance of the potentially affected heritage assets, and the possible impact of the proposals on their settings and significance. The comments from the officer also advised that the Heritage Statement should also highlight positive impacts of the development, such as new views of the Listed Buildings and heritage assets in the surrounding area.
1.4.3 A letter dated 8th December 2020 was received from Martin Lowe, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas, Historic England. The consultee response letter from Historic England contained broad advice on the proposed development and identified the Wearmouth Bridges [AB 1 & 2] as well as the former N.E.R. Stables [AB 3] as the heritage assets most likely to be affected. The Historic England response was generally very positive and welcomed the opportunity for a new landmark in Sunderland.
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1.5 Project Qualifiers
1.5.1 This report has been prepared under instruction and solely for the use of Atkins, and any associated parties they elect to share this information with.
1.5.2 The Covid-19 global pandemic of 2020 forced HM Government to impose restrictions on social distancing and the lockdown of non-essential businesses and services. At the time of the compilation of this report these restrictions were still in place, meaning that Public Record Offices and Archives were closed for public consultation. To compensate for this, AB Heritage has consulted a range of online sources sufficient to provide the historical data required to fulfil the aims of this work.
1.5.3 Measurements and distances in this report are approximations only and should not be used for detailed design purposes.
1.5.4 All work undertaken is based upon the professional knowledge of AB Heritage and relevant standards, technology, and legislation at the time of writing. Changes in these areas may occur in the future, causing changes to the conclusions, recommendations or advice given. AB Heritage is not responsible for advising any parties on the implications of such changes.
1.5.5 This report utilises information obtained from third party sources. AB Heritage takes no responsibility for the accuracy of such information.
1.5.6 Where recommendations are provided these need to be approved by the Local Planning Authority and do not themselves comprise mitigation of impacts.
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2. AIMS & METHODOLOGY
2.1 Aims of Report
2.1.1 Early assessment of the implications of proposed development on the heritage resource is key to informing reasonable planning decisions. Indeed, NPPF 189 requires local planning authorities to request descriptions on the significance of any heritage assets affected by a proposal, including any contribution made by their setting. This states that:
‘The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance’.
2.1.2 This assessment therefore has the following objectives:
• To provide sufficient evidence on the heritage of the site and any potential impacts on such a resource, to inform the Local Planning Authority’s decision-making process in relation to the current planning application; and
• To develop appropriate recommendations / mitigation responses, where necessary, to assist the work of the planning team.
2.2 Methodology
Study Area
2.2.1 Due to the raised topography of the riverbanks on either side of the River Wear and some intervening buildings, there is little visibility towards the location of the proposed bridge from the heritage assets in the city centre and others in the surrounding area. It was therefore considered that a study area of 500m was sufficient to capture all heritage assets with the potential to be affected by the proposed development. This was confirmed by the Tyne and Wear Archaeology Officer Sophie Laidler (Newcastle City Council) to Leanne Tindle (Assistant Heritage Consultant, AB Heritage) via email on 27th November 2020.
Standards & Guidance Used
2.2.2 The assessment has been carried out in line with the following guidance:
• Standard and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment (CIfA, 2017);
• The Setting of Heritage Assets (Historic England, 2017);
• Conservation Principles, Policies & Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment (Historic England, 2008).
Selection and Assessment of Sources
2.2.3 In line with para 3.3.6 and Annex 1 of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk Based Assessment, this report considers appropriate sources of information and a rationale behind their use. These have been detailed in Table 1:
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Table 1: Examination of Appropriate Sources
SOURCE TYPE OF EVIDENCE CONSULTED COMMENT
The primary source of information concerning the current state The Tyne and Wear Historic Environment team were contacted on of archaeological, heritage and architectural knowledge in this Tyne and Wear Historic 19th November 2020 by Leanne Tindle (Assistant Heritage area. Contains published and unpublished archaeological and 19/11/2020 Environment Record Consultant, AB Heritage), to order a HER dataset covering a 500m historical sources, including any previous investigations study area. undertaken within the study area.
Early discussion with the Local Planning Authority Planning Consult Sunderland City Archaeologist and / or Conservation Officer is key to The consultation with the Sunderland City Conservation Officer is N/A Conservation Officer understanding the significance of an area and creating a being undertaken by DPP Planning. tailored approach most appropriate to assessment of a site.
This task allows for development of a greater understanding of the on-site heritage resource, or any historic issues of the site, A site visit was undertaken by Leanne Tindle (Assistant Heritage Site Walkover 25/11/2020 including information the general condition and setting of the Consultant, AB Heritage) on the 25th November 2020. area of proposed development and the site in which it stands.
National Heritage List for Information on statutory and non-statutory designated sites, 19/11/2020 England including Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments.
Tyne and Wear Archives N/A At present, The Sunderland Local Studies Library and the Tyne Readily accessible information on the site’s history from readily and Wear Archives are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 Sunderland Local available historic documentary sources, maps and photographs. N/A Pandemic (See Section 1.5.2). Studies Library
The ADS is a digital repository for heritage records that supports Archaeology Data the long-term digital preservation of such data to support future 20/11/2020 Service research, learning and teaching.
An extensive database allowing for cross-search of over 60 Heritage Gateway resources on England's local and national historic sites, 19/11/2020 buildings and archaeology, including images of listed buildings.
MAGIC The MAGIC website provides authoritative geographic 19/11/2020 information about the natural environment from across
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SOURCE TYPE OF EVIDENCE CONSULTED COMMENT
government, including from Historic England. The information in an interactive map format covers rural, urban, coastal and marine environments.
Using the British Association for Local History (https://www.balh.org.uk/) list of local societies, checks were Sunderland Antiquarian Society and Sunderland Maritime History Local Historic Societies made with relevant organisations where there was a specific 19/11/2020 Group were consulted but provided no extra information pertinent and obvious benefit to consulting local expertise on the history to this report. of the proposed development site.
2.2.4 For reporting purposes, any relevant information gathered from the above sources has been allocated an AB numbers, which can be viewed in the Cultural Heritage Features Gazetteer (Appendix 1).
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Assessment of Receptors Significance
2.2.5 Assessment of the heritage significance of a receptor is judged upon various factors, including any existing designation, plus information on any relevant architectural, archaeological, or historical factors. Considering these criteria, each identified feature is assigned a level of significance in accordance with a five-point scale (Table 2, below).
Table 2: Assessing the Significance of a Receptor
SCALE OF ASSET SIGNIFICANCE
Sites of exceptional interest that reflect the highest qualities of Architectural or Artistic, Historical, or Archaeological value. These can include Scheduled Monuments, Grade I VERY HIGH and Grade II* Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas containing very important buildings, or undesignated structures / landscapes with exceptional coherence, time depth, or other critical factors.
Grade II Listed Buildings and other designated or undesignated heritage assets of special HIGH interest, or assets of a reasonably defined historic extent and significance. Examples may include areas containing buildings that contribute significantly to its historic character.
Buildings / Structures / Landscapes with coherent historic merit or value, reflected in sites MEDIUM such as ‘locally designated’ buildings or ‘non-designated heritage assets’, albeit ones with clear survival of key elements, historic interests and/or context associations.
Heritage assets with very little or no surviving heritage interest. Examples include LOW structures of almost no architectural / historic merit, buildings of an intrusive character or relatively modern / common landscape features such as quarries, drains and ponds etc.
Insufficient information exists to assess the importance of a feature (e.g. unidentified UNKNOWN features on aerial photographs).
2.2.6 The significance of known assets is typically determined by reference to existing designations. Where a receptor’s interest or value covers a range of the above possibilities or, for previously unidentified features, where no designation has yet been assigned, the significance of a receptor is based on professional judgement. For example, while all nationally registered, Listed Buildings can range in scale and importance from a single milestone to the site of St Paul’s Cathedral. For this reason, adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis.
Impact Assessment Criteria
2.2.7 The degree of impact upon the heritage resource is determined by identifying the level of effect from the proposed development upon the baseline conditions of the site and the cultural heritage resource identified. The criteria for assessing the level of impact are set out in Table 3 (below).
2.2.8 It is not always possible to confirm the degree of impact. However, where possible a professional judgement as to the scale of such impacts is applied to enable the subsequent ‘Magnitude of Effects’ to be established (Table 4). It should be noted that an impact level of
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‘uncertain’ is included for those situations where it is simply not appropriate to make such a judgement at this stage of works.
Table 3: Criteria for Determining Degree of Impact
IMPACT DEFINITION LEVEL
Changes to most or all of the key heritage baseline elements that leads to total or almost HIGH complete alteration of a features physical structure, or almost comprehensive variation to other aspects such as noise, access, or visual amenity of the asset.
Changes to many key materials / historic elements, such that the baseline resource is clearly modified. This includes considerable change to the heritage asset / historic MEDIUM landscape, noticeable differences in noise or sound quality, and considerable changes to use or access changes to key historic landscape elements.
Detectable impacts which alter the baseline condition of a heritage receptor to a slight degree – e.g., a small proportion of the surviving heritage resource is altered; slight LOW alterations to the structure, or limited changes to aspects such as noise levels, use or access that results in limited changes to historic character.
Barely distinguishable change from baseline conditions, where there would be very little appreciable effect on a known site, possibly because of distance from the development, NEGLIGIBLE method of construction or landscape or ecological planting, that are thought to have no long-term effect on the historic value of a resource.
UNKNOWN Extent / nature of the asset is uncertain, or magnitude of change cannot be ascertained.
2.2.9 The overall Magnitude of Effects from the proposed development upon the resource is determined by correlating the significance of a heritage asset against the degree of impact it may be subject to. Table 4 highlights the criteria for assessing the overall Magnitude of Effects. Where effects are moderate or above these are classified as Substantial Harm, terms of NPPF.
Table 4: Magnitude of Effects
MAGNITUDE OF IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE HIGH MEDIUM LOW NEGLIGBLE
VERY HIGH Severe Major Mod Minor
HIGH Major Mod Minor Minor / Not Sig.
MEDIUM Mod Minor Minor / Not Sig. Not Sig.
LOW Minor Minor / Not Sig. Not Sig. Nt.
Mod = Moderate; Not Sig. = Not Significant; Nt. = Neutral
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3. PLANNING & LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
3.1 Heritage Legislation
3.1.1 Current legislation, in the form of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, provides for the legal protection of important and well-preserved archaeological sites and monuments through their addition to a list, or 'schedule' of archaeological monuments.
3.1.2 Likewise, structures are afforded legal protection in the form of their addition to ‘lists’ of buildings of special architectural or historical interest, under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990. This legislation also allows for the creation and protection of Conservation Areas by local planning authorities to protect areas and groupings of historical significance.
3.1.3 The categories of assets with some form of legal protection have been extended in recent years, and now include Registered Parks and Gardens, and Historic Battlefields. While designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not a statutory designation under English planning law, such a designation is regarded as a material consideration in planning decisions.
3.2 National Planning Policy 2019
3.2.1 The NPPF sets out government policy on the historic environment, which covers all elements, whether designated or not, that are identified as ‘having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest’.
3.2.2 The level of detail required in the assessment should be ‘proportionate to the assets importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance’.
3.2.3 Paragraphs 195 & 196 explain that ‘where a proposed development will lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should refuse consent, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss.
3.2.4 It also advises that where a proposal involve less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal, including securing its optimum viable use. In weighing applications that affect directly or indirectly non designated heritage assets, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset.
3.3 Local Planning Policy
Sunderland City Council Core Strategy and Development Plan 2015-2033
Policy BH7 Historic Environment:
3.3.1 The council will ensure that the historic environment is valued, recognised, conserved and enhanced, sensitively managed and enjoyed for its contribution to character, local distinctiveness and sustainable communities by:
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• Supporting new development which makes a positive contribution to the character and townscape quality of the historic environment;
• Supporting and developing innovative initiatives that identify, maintain, conserve and sustain or return to beneficial usage designated or non-designated heritage assets;
• Improving access and enjoyment of the historic environment where appropriate, by supporting proposals that retain, create, or facilitate public access to heritage assets to increase understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of their significance, special qualities, and cultural values.
BH8 Heritage Assets:
3.3.2 Development affecting heritage assets (both designated and non-designated) or their settings should recognise and respond to their significance and demonstrate how they conserve and enhance the significance and character of the asset(s), including any contribution made by its setting where appropriate.
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4. HERITAGE REVIEW OF THE SITE
4.1 Historic Development of the Site & Surrounding Area
4.1.1 This section explores the historical development of the City of Sunderland, which began as three separate settlements before merging into one. This report is primarily concerned with the above ground heritage of the city and therefore focuses mainly on the post-medieval period onwards, which captures the industrialisation of the city from the late 18th through to the 20th centuries. This report is not concerned with below ground archaeology but will begin with a brief overview of the development, prior to the post medieval period.
4.1.2 The development of settlements in the area that is now known as Sunderland began in the Prehistoric and Roman periods. Archaeological evidence for both periods has been uncovered along the south and north banks of the River Wear and in the City Centre (Tyne and Wear Historic Towns Survey, 2004).
4.1.3 During the Anglo-Saxon period Sunderland consisted of two main settlements, comprising Bishopwearmouth on the south side of the River Wear and Monkwearmouth on the north side of the river (Historic England, 2020). Remains of the Saxon settlement in Monkwearmouth survive in the form of St. Peter’s Monastery (now forming part of St. Peter’s Church), which was built in 674 and lies c. 800m north east of the proposal site (Tyne and Wear Sitelines, 2020).
Plate 2. Settlements of the City of Sunderland (Tyne and Wear Historic Towns Survey, 2004)
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4.1.4 As Sunderland’s population expanded, so did the areas of settlement and, by the 12th century, there was a third area of activity in what is now known as South Wearmouth (or the Port of Southern Wearmouth); this area was granted a Borough Charter by Bishop Hugh Puiset in 1180-83 (Tyne and Wear Historic Towns Survey, 2004).
4.1.5 Plate 2 (above) shows a current view of the City of Sunderland and highlights in blue the historic core of the three settlements of Bishopwearmouth, Monkwearmouth and South Wearmouth during the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods.
4.1.6 The expansion of Sunderland as an industrial centre took place from the 18th century onwards. The original Wearmouth Bridge was built in 1796 by Rowland Burdon and this was later extended by Sir Robert Stephenson in 1856 (Historic England, 2020). When the bridge was initially built it was the world’s first single span bridge, connecting Sunderland with Monkwearmouth and significantly improving onward connections to Newcastle (Historic England, 2020).
4.1.7 Plate 3 is an image of the 1796 Wearmouth Bridge with a lot of activity visible on the river.
Plate 3. Rowland Burdon’s Wearmouth Bridge (The British Library Online, 2020)
4.1.8 By the mid-19th century, the areas on both the north and south sides of the River Wear were dominated by industrial production. Coal mining and shipbuilding were the main industries in the surrounding area with collieries at Wearmouth and staithes along both sides of the river. The shipbuilding on Wearside was so extensive that it accounted for almost one third of all ships built in the UK between 1846-54. (Sunderland City Council Local Studies Centre, 2020).
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4.1.9 In the earliest examined Ordnance Survey Map of 1862 (Plate 4), the prominence of industrial production on both the north and south sides of the River Wear is evident in the collieries, factories, railways, staithes, and shipbuilding yards, visible on either side of the river.
Plate 4. Six-Inch OS Map of 1862 (National Museum of Scotland, 2020)
4.1.10 Plate 4 also shows the City Centre of Sunderland as a very dense area of activity on the south side of the River Wear by this time. The proposed site of the southern abutment can be seen as located within this dense area of activity. On the north side of the river residential development is increasing on either side of the Monkwearmouth Railway Station in order to house the industrial workforce. This is beginning to spread along to the location of the proposed northern abutment.
4.1.11 In 1879, the now Grade II Listed Monkwearmouth Junction Railway Bridge [AB 2] was built for the North Eastern Railway Company by Thomas Harrison (Plate 7). The railway line expanded from Monkwearmouth to the south side of the river and became the first to link Sunderland and Newcastle (Rennison & Telford,1996). The Bridge also linked with the Brandling Junction Railway line used for the transportation from collieries in the Durham coal field and was ‘the largest hog-back iron girder bridge in the world’ (Historic England Listing Entry Number: 1207051).
4.1.12 Shortly after the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge was built, the North Eastern Railway Stables [AB 3] were constructed in 1883-4 by Chief N.E.R Architect William Bell in a ‘Hundred Horse’ stables arrangement and were used to transport goods to and from Monkwearmouth station (Fawcett 2015). The stables survive c. 30m north of the proposed location of the north abutment of the bridge.
4.1.13 The OS map of 1897 shows the new railway bridge to the west of the Wearmouth Bridge and the N.E.R Stables to the west of the proposed northern abutment (Plate 5). The map also highlights the expansion of industrial coal staithes and terraced housing on both banks of Wearside since 1862 and 1897.
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Plate 5. 25-Inch OS Map of 1897 (National Museum of Scotland, 2020)
4.1.14 By 1919 the staithes on the south side of the river had spread further west representing an increase in mining and industrial activity during the First World War (Plate 6). One of the Wearmouth Colliery coal staithes [AB 5] remains on the north side of the river, now a Grade II Listed Building, it is positioned c. 400m north west of the proposal site but is not visible from the proposal sites.
Plate 6. 25-Inch OS Map of 1919 (National Museum of Scotland, 2020)
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4.1.15 In 1929 the Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1] was rebuilt to its present design and appearance. The new bridge was designed by Mott, Hay & Anderson, and incorporated features from Robert Stephenson’s 1856 alteration, including some of the balustrade and steps (Historic England List Entry Number: 1279911). Plate 7 is an aerial photograph taken in 1928 when the current Wearmouth Bridge was under construction. The photograph also shows the industrial setting of Wearside around the bridges and proposed development sites.
Plate 7. The Wearmouth Bridge, Lambton, and Hetton Staithes in 1928 (Britain From Above)
4.1.16 Despite Sunderland suffering a number of bombing raids and sustaining significant damage in places, the OS map of 1946, shows that the generalised layout of Sunderland was by that time starting to see similarities in how it was at the beginning of the 20th century (Plate 8).
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Plate 8. 25-Inch OS Map of 1946 (National Museum of Scotland, 2020)
4.1.17 Plate 9 is another aerial photograph, this time an image taken in 1949 of the Wearmouth Bridge and Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge, which still shows a landscape dominated by industry.
Plate 9. View of the Wearmouth & Monkwearmouth Bridge from 1949 (co-curate, 2020)
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
4.1.18 In the second half of the 20th century, the shipbuilding industry in Britain was nationalised. This resulted in a rapid decline of an industry that had dominated Wearside since at least the 18th century, eventually leading the closure of the last shipyard in this area in 1988 (Sunderland City Council Local Studies Centre, 2020).
4.1.19 Alongside this a series of slum clearances during the 1960s also removed a lot of the old and outdated industrial housing from the north and south sides of the river (Historic England, 2020), resulting in a significant change in the landscape alongside this part of Sunderland. By the end of the 20th century the area of proposed development had become the quiet Riverside setting that exists today. Plate 10 is a contemporary aerial view of Wearside and the areas around the proposal site.
Plate 10. Aerial View of the Proposal Site (Google Earth, 2020)
4.1.20 Where the Lambton Drops Staithes were previously located, on the south bank of the River Wear, there is now a low level, quarried out valley that is now Exhibition Park, c. 200m west of the proposed bridge’s southern abutment (Plate 10).
4.2 Current Site Condition
4.2.1 A site visit was conducted by Leanne Tindle (Assistant Heritage Consultant, AB Heritage) on Wednesday 25th November 2020. The primary aim of the site visit was to better understand the current setting and context of the proposed development sites on either side of the River Wear. The site visit was also concerned with how the proposed development may affect views to and from various heritage assets in the area, including the Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1], the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2] and the Former N.E.R Stables [AB 3].
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
4.2.2 The areas of proposed development on the banks of the River Wear are now markedly different from what would have historically over the last few hundred years been a bustling, noisy, and dirty industrial setting.
Photo 1. The View Eastwards from the South Bank of the River Wear
4.2.3 To the north of the river are green sloping banks and the Sheepfolds Industrial Estate characterised by single storey buildings and car parks. Located c. 50 - 100m north of the proposed north abutment is the Grade II Listed former N.E.R Stables [AB 3] (Photo 2). North of the industrial estate is the Stadium of Light located c. 200m north of the proposed abutment site. St. Peter’s Metro Station located c. 240m to the east of the proposed north abutment.
Photo 2. The View Northwards from the Proposed South Bank Abutment
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
4.2.4 The site of the proposed abutment on the south bank of the River Wear is above a steep slope down to the River with concrete embankments and a riverside path. To the east, south and west the proposal site is surrounded by redevelopment which forms part of the Riverside Sunderland Regeneration scheme (Photo 3). Beyond the immediate surroundings, the Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1] and Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2] are located c. 250m east of the abutment site. Exhibition Park is 250m to the west, situated in a relatively steep sided cutting. The city centre of Sunderland lies c. 400m to the south of this area.
Photo 3. The View South West of the Proposed South Bank Abutment
4.2.5 The proposed footbridge will span the River Wear linking the new redevelopment site on the south bank of the river with the underused industrial area on the north bank (Photo 4).
Photo 4. The View Westwards Looking Towards the Proposed Footbridge Location
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Heritage Assets in the Surrounding Area
4.2.6 Seven heritage assets were identified as part of this assessment that it was felt required further examination, to better understand the potential for change associated with the new bridge. These comprised:
• The Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1] – Grade II Listed;
• The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2] – Grade II Listed;
• The former North Eastern Railway Stables [AB 3] – Grade II Listed;
• The Kings Arms Public House [AB 4] – Grade II Listed;
• Wearmouth Colliery Coal Staithe [AB 5] – Grade II Listed;
• The Livingstone’s or Ship Isis Public House [AB 6] – Grade II Listed; and
• The Magistrates Court [AB 7] – Grade II Listed
4.2.7 Once on site, however, it was determined that there was no visibility to and from several of the heritage assets listed above, due the topography of the area and intervening development. This list was therefore narrowed during the course of the site visit to the following heritage assets, which are examined in more detail and will be taken forward for assessment in Section 6. They comprised:
• The Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1] – Grade II Listed;
• The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2] – Grade II Listed; and
• The former North Eastern Railway Stables [AB 3] – Grade II Listed.
The Wearmouth Bridge & Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge
4.2.8 The Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1] and Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2] are both Grade II Listed Buildings and are located c. 250m east of the proposed new footbridge. The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge currently functions as a Tyne and Wear Metro line and the Wearmouth Bridge is a busy road bridge.
4.2.9 Both bridges are c. 30m apart and both would both be visible from the proposed footbridge when looking eastwards (Photo 5).
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Photo 5. The View Eastwards of the Proposed New Footbridge
4.2.10 From the east side of the bridges and looking westwards, the new footbridge would be partially visible in the background (Photo 6).
Photo 6. The View Westwards Towards the Bridges and Proposed Footbridge
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
The North Eastern Railway Stables
4.2.11 The North Eastern Railway Stables (Photo 7) are Grade II Listed and sit c. 50 - 100m from the proposed location of the North Bank Abutment (Photo 8).
Photo 7. The Grade II Listed Former N.E.R Stables
Photo 8. The View Northwards of the Proposed North Bank Abutment
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
4.2.12 The proposed location of the north bank abutment will be partially visible from the NER Stables complex when looking south. This general view is shown in Photo 9.
Photo 9. View Southwards Towards Proposed North Bank Abutment from the Stables
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
5. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
5.1 Focus of Study
5.1.1 In accordance with English Heritage guidance Conservation Principles, Policies & Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment (2008), and Historic England’s Advice Note 12 (2019), Heritage Assets derive their significance from a defined range of interests or values. These are Archaeological, Architectural or Artistic, Historic Interest. Significance can also be affected by the Setting of a heritage asset. This report will assess those factors relevant to the overall understanding of the importance of the feature under consideration.
5.1.2 The site is in proximity to several heritage assets. However, based on the site visit, and historic research this report will focus on providing an understanding of the potential impacts to the following Heritage Assets and/or their settings:
• Grade II Listed Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1];
• Grade II Listed Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2]; and
• Grade II Listed Former N.E.R Stables [AB 3].
5.2 The Wearmouth Bridge - Grade II Listed
Description & General Condition
5.2.1 The Grade II Listed Wearmouth Bridge, constructed in 1929, is a busy road bridge spanning the River Wear. Once an integral element of an extensive industrial setting, the bridge now traverses a much quieter and cleaner riverside setting (Photo 11).
Photo 10. The Wearmouth Bridge
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Assessment of Heritage Interest
Architectural Interest
5.2.2 The current Wearmouth Bridge was built in 1929 by Mott, Hay & Anderson with the contractors of Sir W. Arroll & Co. of Glasgow. The bridge replaced an earlier structure from 1793, which had itself been improved by Robert Stephenson in 1856. The present Wearmouth Bridge retains some of the balustrade from Stephenson’s work.
5.2.3 The bridge comprises rock faced sandstone and reinforced concrete abutments. The road deck is also reinforced concrete. The footpath has cast iron balustrades. The distinctive parabolic arch spans 114.3 m. The overall effect is not dissimilar to the well-known Tyne Bridge, which was also designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson; like the Tyne Bridge, the Wearmouth Bridge has become a strong and iconic landmark for residents of Wearside and beyond.
Historical Interest
5.2.4 Though largely rebuilt in 1929 to the celebrated design we see today, the earlier bridge had been the world’s first single span steel arch. The work of Robert Stephenson on the earlier bridge is also an important factor in the historical significance of the feature. The fact that we know and appreciate the skills and technologies than went into the present bridge, as well as who designed and built it, certainly adds to the historic value of the structure.
5.2.5 Furthermore, from a social history perspective the bridge in its current iteration has been a readily identifiable emblem of the industrial strength of the Sunderland area since its unveiling. Though much of the previous industrial power and manufacturing prowess has left Wearside over recent decades, the bridge remains as important a landmark to local residents as it has since its construction.
Setting
5.2.6 The prime characteristic of the setting of the Wearmouth Bridge, and indeed its reason for being, is the River Wear itself. The current setting of the riverside as a relatively open and now much quieter area than what once existed, surrounded on either bank by buildings and crossed by bridges, is inextricably tied into the history of the River Wear and to Sunderland and makes a positive contribution to the heritage significance of the Wearmouth Bridge.
Overview of Significance
5.2.7 The current Wearmouth Bridge is a substantial rebuild from that of the original bridge that stood in this location, which nonetheless utilises certain materials and designs from the previous bridge on the site. In addition, with links to Robert Stephenson, and later the celebrated engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson (who also designed the Tyne Bridge), the Wearmouth Bridge is an iconic emblem of the industrial strength and prowess that the North East, and Wearside more particularly, once had.
5.2.8 Despite being Listed at Grade II, the bridge is of such an iconic status that it is judged to be of Very High Significance, in line with Table 2, given it is a ‘site of exceptional interest that reflects the highest qualities of Architectural or Artistic, Historical, or Archaeological value’.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
5.3 The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge - Grade II Listed
Description & General Condition
5.3.1 Built in 1879 for the North Eastern Railway company, the bridge’s railway was used to transport industrial produce between Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham. The bridge now functions as the Tyne and Wear Metro line that spans the River Wear to connect Sunderland with Newcastle.
Assessment of Heritage Interest
Architectural Interest
5.3.2 The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge was built by Thomas Harrison, the first Chief Engineer of the North Eastern Railway Company, and subsequently built in 1879. On completion it was ‘the largest hog-back iron girder bridge in the world’ (Historic England Listing Entry Number: 1207051). The bridge comprises a series of tall stone arches on either bank of the River Wear. The piers, also of stone, feature tall arches and plinths with top bands below square ashlar rail-bed piers with plinths, top bands, and chamfered coping.
5.3.3 The wrought iron arch is shallower than that of the adjacent bridge, and of a heavier looking design, featuring vertical girders to support the ribs. The overall effect is one of conservative strength and quiet efficiency.
Historical Interest
5.3.4 The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge is now the most visible survivor of The North Eastern Railway company in the city. The bridge is associated with a named and celebrated engineer (Thomas Elliot Harrison), who became the 17th President of the Institute of Civil Engineers and himself was associated with both George and Robert Stephenson.
5.3.5 The bridge is inextricably linked to the North Eastern Railway, which was a regional powerhouse from 1854 until its incorporation in 1922 with the London and North Eastern Railway. Furthermore, the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge is a much valued and lauded historic landmark for the city of Sunderland and Wearside. Often considered as a pair with the Wearmouth Bridge, this heritage asset is deeply ingrained as an icon of the region.
Setting
5.3.6 The prime characteristic of the setting of the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge, and indeed its reason for being, is the River Wear itself. The current setting of the riverside as a relatively open and now much quieter area than what once existed, surrounded on either bank by buildings and crossed by bridges, is inextricably tied into the history of the River Wear and to Sunderland and makes a positive contribution to the heritage significance of the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge.
Overview of Significance
5.3.7 The Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge is a 19th century rail bridge that remains in good condition. Built by the celebrated and eminent engineer, Thomas Harrison, the bridge holds special architectural and historic interest. Despite being located close to the Wearmouth Bridge, this bridge has its own unique presence and recognisable design, providing a source of pride for the city of Sunderland.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
5.3.8 These special interests are reflected in the Grade Listed status of the bridge. In line with Table 2, the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge is considered to be of High significance, i.e., ‘a Grade II Listed Buildings of special interest, [with] a reasonably defined historic extent and significance’.
5.4 The N.E.R Stables - Grade II Listed
Description & General Condition
5.4.1 The interior of the Former N.E.R Stables was inaccessible at the time of visit. The exterior was examined from Easington Street, in front of the building. The stables were first constructed in 1883-84 and altered in c. 1930. The building is considered a handsome, large, red and blue brick building, with limestone ashlar dressings and detailing, fronting Easington Street (Photo 10).
5.4.2 Behind the façade the site is a roughly triangular courtyard that houses the former Horse Hospital. The courtyard is flanked by a Van Shed and a single storey stable range.
Photo 11. The Grade II Listed Former N.E.R Stables
5.4.3 The Stables is now privately owned and, externally at least, appears to be in an underused and partially derelict state of repair, with substantial damage to the roof and with many boarded-up windows. The southern end of the principal building in particular is in a very poor state of repair, being roofless and with vegetation growing in it.
Assessment of Heritage Interest
Architectural Interest
5.4.4 Built by Chief N.E.R Architect William Bell, the stables are an example of a ‘conventional hundred horse stable’, which fitted around an inner courtyard and would have been used to house the horses that transported goods back and forth from Monkwearmouth Railway (Fawcett 2015).
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
5.4.5 The principal entrance building is an attractive red brick construction with ashlar dressing and detailing, most notably the many lintels. A decorative line of blue brick runs across the principal elevation. The central section is of two stories and features closely spaced stables windows on the ground floor, with larger windows at first floor. The large central arch is a segmented arch with stone springers on brick responds. Above the arch is a dormer with a circular window and a half-hipped roof. The building is under is slate roof.
5.4.6 It was not possible to examine the building from the courtyard, but the List Entry describes a similar arrangement of fenestration on the rear but with the inclusion of garage doors, thought to date to the 1930s.
5.4.7 Altogether the former NER Stables is an attractive building by a named and known architect, and despite some substantial damage in places, the building retains much legibility and quality.
Historical Interest
5.4.8 The building retains strong historical association with North Eastern Railway, by virtue of its architect William Bell and his association with the N.E.R. The building now survives as a relatively rare example of a large industrial scale stables, of which there would have been many in the region serving the N.E.R. The building is example of the wealth and pride of the N.E.R and more generally of the industrial success of Monkwearmouth in the mid-19th century.
Setting
5.4.9 The setting of the former N.E.R Stables is now that of a under employed, modern, yet aging industrial estate, which is largely characterised by mainly flat roofed, utilitarian buildings and a several surface carparks. The baseline setting is almost completely removed from the historic setting, which during the industrial peak of Sunderland and the presence of the colliery in this area, would have been noisy, dirty, and very busy. The baseline setting therefore does not now, therefore, contribute positively to the significance of the heritage asset in anyway.
Overview of Significance
5.4.10 The N.E.R Stables are substantial surviving example of 19th century railway stables associated with the Monkwearmouth Railway and the former industrial presence on Wearside. Despite the alterations in the 1930s and lack of repair, the stables retain much of their original character, including external architectural features and plan. The special architectural and historic interest is reflected in the Grade II Listed status of the building.
5.4.11 As per Table 2, the Grade II Listed Stables is a designated heritage asset of High Significance, i.e., ‘a Grade II Listed Buildings of special interest, [with] a reasonably defined historic extent and significance’.
5.5 Summary of Heritage Significance
5.5.1 Overall, this report has concluded that the following items, which will be taken forward to impact assessment have the following levels of overall heritage significance:
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Table 5: Summary of Level of Significance
AB No Feature Designation Significance
1 The Wearmouth Bridge Grade II Listed Very High
The Monkwearmouth Railway 2 Grade II Listed High Bridge
3 The Former N.E.R Stables Grade II Listed High
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
6. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
6.1 Details of Proposed Development
6.1.1 The proposed New Wear Footbridge will be a high-level footbridge that spans c. 270m across the River Wear, supported by piers constructed on the north and south banks, to avoid impacts within the riverbed.
6.1.2 The bridge will carry the Keel Line, which radiates out from the Keel Square in the City Centre, across the River Wear from an abutment adjacent to the Beam development at the former Vaux site. The Keel Line will land on the north bank at the southern corner of Easington Street, where it will then be carried c. 195m north to the Stadium of Light.
6.1.3 The engineering details are presented as Option 1 in the document New Wear Footbridge Options Study Report (Atkins, September 2020).
6.2 Predicted Impact of Proposed Development
6.2.1 The proposed New Wear Footbridge is not considered to have any direct impacts upon the fabric of any known designated or non-designated heritage assets. The proposed New Wear Footbridge does have the potential to incur indirect impacts through changes to the setting of the identified heritage assets.
Indirect Impacts
Grade II Listed Wearmouth Bridge [AB 1] & Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge [AB 2]
6.2.2 The proposed New Wear Footbridge would be located c. 270m to the west of the Wearmouth Bridge and c. 240 m west of the Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge. Photograph 6 (above) provides an impression of how visible the proposed New Wear Footbridge would be in views incorporating the existing historic bridges.
6.2.3 Despite being a new feature in these views, the proposed footbridge bridge is considered to be entirely in keeping within the river setting. The distance from the existing bridges also preclude the proposed New Wear Footbridge from challenging the primacy of the established bridges from a heritage perspective. The final design of the parapet treatment should be either a neutral or complimentary addition to these views. A successful design should provide a new landmark feature that will enhance the heritage setting of the established bridges.
6.2.4 The proposed New Wear Footbridge would also provide a brand new and novel view of the historic bridges from the west. This view could be appreciated at leisure from the pedestrian user of the new bridge, rather than glimpsed from surrounding land or from a moving vehicle, as is the experience of most users of the railway and road bridge at present.
6.2.5 In line with Table 3, the proposals could be considered to have a Low Beneficial Degree of Impact to the setting of the historic bridges, i.e., ‘Detectable impacts which alter the baseline condition of a heritage receptor to a slight degree – e.g., a small proportion of the surviving heritage resource is altered [the setting]; limited changes to use or access that results in limited changes to historic character’. The appreciable effect being the creation of a new view towards the historic bridges, and the inclusion of a new bridge within views to the west.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
6.2.6 When referenced against the Significance of the heritage asset in Table 4, this would result in a Minor to Moderate Beneficial Magnitude of Effect on the heritage significance of the Listed historic bridges.
Former N.E.R. Stables [AB 3]
6.2.7 The proposed north abutment of the New Wear Footbridge is to be located c. 30m to the south of the Grade II Listed Stables. The details of the landscaping for the proposed north abutment are not yet finalised, but it is assumed that the design will be relatively unobtrusive.
6.2.8 The location of the abutment will entail the clearing of a currently overgrown area of marginal land, which has been subject to fly-tipping and vandalism, between the river gorge and the bend of Easington Street. This should result in some superficial benefits for the general appearance of the Sheepfolds industrial estate, which is currently quite rundown.
6.2.9 The proposed north abutment would be visible from Easington Street, immediately outside the entrance to the former N.E.R. Stables; however, sensitive landscaping and screening would limit the visibility of the new footbridge. Photographs 8 & 9 (above) show the current view towards the abutment site.
6.2.10 The key indirect change within the setting of the former N.E.R. Stables will be its location adjacent to the new continued Keel Line, as it passes the heritage asset on its route to the Stadium of Light Football Stadium. This will dramatically increase the potential audience of the Grade II Listed Building, particularly on home match days, when many thousands of locals and visitors to the city will pass by the building. The architectural interest of the heritage asset will potentially become a key point of interest to those using the proposed New Wear Footbridge on their way to the Stadium of Light or to the City Centre.
6.2.11 Considering the above in terms of Table 3, the proposals are considered to have a Medium Beneficial Degree of Impact on the setting of the heritage asset. This is due to the fact that the introduction of the north abutment and the continuation of the Keel Line past the heritage asset would result ‘considerable changes to use or access’. These changes would accrue from the requirement to open up and improve a currently redundant and overgrown site within a few metres of the Listed Building, and from the inclusion of the Keel Line within the setting of the heritage asset, which would result in a dramatic increase in awareness of the special architectural and historic interest of the former N.E.R. Stables.
6.2.12 When referenced against the Significance of the heritage asset in Table 4, this would result in a Moderate Beneficial Magnitude of Effect to the significance of the heritage asset.
6.3 Summary
6.3.1 The proposed New Wear Footbridge will create changes within the settings of the three identified heritage assets.
6.3.2 The proposed footbridge will be a new feature within views to and from the existing historic bridges. Despite being a new feature in the landscape, and a clear change to the existing baseline condition, the proposed new footbridge is considered to be entirely in keeping with the character of the river setting.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
6.3.3 A well designed and executed new bridge could be considered to be an enhancement to the established setting of the historic bridges, allowing for a new viewpoint to them from the west. The proposed new bridge has the potential to form an interesting and celebrated long term element of the small group of iconic bridges over this part of the Wear.
6.3.4 Furthermore, the changes to the setting of the Former N.E.R. Stables are considered to include the opening up of a currently redundant and overgrown site overlooking the riverbanks close to the former Stables. The continuation of the Keel Line from the City Centre, across the River and to the Stadium of Light Football Stadium, will also enable many thousands of passers-by to experience the special architectural and historic interests of the Listed Building.
6.3.5 In line with Local Planning Policy the proposed New Wear Footbridge has the potential to meet and exceed Policy BH 7 Historic Environment in the Sunderland City Council Core Strategy and Development Plan 2015-2033. Specifically, the new bridge would:
• Make a positive contribution to the character and townscape quality of the historic environment; and
• Improve access and enjoyment of the historic environment, where appropriate, by supporting proposals that retain, create, or facilitate public access to heritage assets to increase understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of their significance, special qualities, and cultural values.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
7. RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
7.1 Outline Recommendations
7.1.1 The final designs and treatments for the landscaping and approaches for the abutments and the parapet design are yet to emerge. It is recommended that an updated Impacts Assessment be carried out when these details are confirmed.
7.1.2 The final decision on further heritage works is the preserve of the Local Planning Authority.
7.2 Conclusion
7.2.1 AB Heritage Limited has been commissioned by Atkins to produce a Heritage Statement covering proposed works for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Wear in Sunderland, forming part of the Riverside Sunderland Regeneration Scheme.
7.2.2 The proposed New Wear Footbridge will be a high-level footbridge that will carry the Keel Line, which radiates out from the Keel Square in the City Centre, across the River Wear from an abutment adjacent to the Beam development at the former Vaux site. The Keel Line will land on the north bank at the southern corner of Easington Street, where it will be carried c. 195m north to the Stadium of Light.
7.2.3 The report has identified that the Grade II Listed Wearmouth Bridge, Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge, and the former N.E.R. Stables have the potential to be affected by the proposed new bridge through development in their heritage settings.
7.2.4 The proposed new development will create a new addition to the small group of bridges at this part of the River Wear, which will afford the opportunity for a new appreciation of the existing historic bridges. The new views of the iconic Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge and the Wearmouth Bridge possible from the new bridge, would allow a more considered appreciation than those glimpsed from fixed points on land or from vehicles passing over the road and rail bridges. The proposed new bridge is considered to have a Moderate Beneficial Magnitude of Impact to the significance of the historic wear bridges.
7.2.5 The proposed new footbridge will be located to the south of the Grade II Listed former N.E.R. Stables. This is a heritage asset of High significance because of its special architectural and historic interest. These special interests derive from the quality of the architectural appearance and from association with William Bell, the chief architect of the North Eastern Railway.
7.2.6 The proposed new abutment will require the improvement of a currently redundant and overgrown site within a few metres of the Listed Building. The proposed works will make way for the inclusion of the Keel Line within the setting of the Listed Building, which would result in a dramatic increase in awareness of the special architectural and historic interest of the former N.E.R. Stables. Overall, the proposed new footbridge is considered to be a Moderate Beneficial Magnitude of Impact to the significance of the Listed Buildings through improvements in its setting and its exposure to a wider public.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
7.2.7 In line with Local Planning Policy the proposed New Wear Footbridge has the potential to meet and exceed Policy BH 7 Historic Environment in the Sunderland City Council Core Strategy and Development Plan 2015-2033.
7.2.8 The final designs and treatments for the landscaping and approaches for the abutments and the parapet design are yet to emerge. It is recommended that an updated Impacts Assessment be carried out when these details are confirmed.
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
8. REFERENCES
Cartographic Sources
• National Museum of Scotland Maps 2020
Documentation & Online Sources
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1979/46/contents
• British Library Online, 2020, https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/sunderland-bridge
• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014. Standard and Guidance for the Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings and Structures. http://www.archaeologists.net/sites/default/files/CIfAS&GBuildings_1.pdf
• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2017. Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk Based Assessment. https://www.archaeologists.net/sites/default/files/CIfAS%26GDBA_3.pdf
• Co-curate 2020, https://co-curate.ncl.ac.uk/sunderland/
• Heritage Gateway, 2019. http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/
• Historic England, 2008. Conservation Principles, Policies & Guidance. https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/conservation-principles- sustainable-management-historic- environment/conservationprinciplespoliciesguidanceapr08web.pdf/.
• Historic England, 2015, Photographing Historic Buildings Notes 2015
• Historic England, 2017. The Setting of Heritage Assets, Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning: 3. https://historicengland.org.uk/images- books/publications/gpa3-setting-of-heritage-assets/
• Historic England, 2016. Understanding Historic Buildings, A Guide to Good Recording Practice. https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images- books/publications/understanding-historic-buildings/heag099-understanding-historic- buildings.pdf/
• Historic England and Wardell Armstrong, Sunderland Historic Area Assessment, 2020
• Historic England Britain from Above, 2020, https://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/en/map?keywords=sunderland&country=global&yea r=all&view=map#0,262466.52493474324,609599.6708161779
• National Heritage List for England, 2019. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/
• National Planning Policy Framework 2018. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116 950.pdf
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
• Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/pdfs/ukpga_19900009_en.pdf
• Robert William Rennison & Thomas Telford, Civil Engineering Heritage: Northern England, 1996
• Tyne and Wear Archive Sitelines, The Anglo-Saxons, 2020
• Tyne and Wear Historic Towns Survey, 2004
• Sunderland City Council Local Studies Centre, Shipbuilding on the Wear: Part 1, 2020
• Sunderland City Council, Bishopwearmouth Conservation Area Appraisal, 2018
• W, Fawcett 2015, Railway Architecture of the North East
Correspondence
• Leanne Tindle (Assistant Heritage Consultant, AB Heritage) to Sophie Laidler (Tyne and Wear Archaeology Officer, Newcastle City Council) on 27th November 2020
• Martin Lowe (Historic England) to Chris Cassidy (Sunderland City Council) 8th December 2020
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Appendices
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
Appendix 1 Cultural Heritage Features Gazetteer
This gazetteer incorporates relevant archaeological, heritage and historic environment assets identified during a search of sources listed in Table 1 within 500m of the site.
Abbreviations
GI LB – Grade I Listed Building GII LB – Grade II Listed Building SM – Scheduled Monument
SMR: HER Monument Prefix and UID
AB No. Period Description Status NGR Ref. No.
1 Modern Sunderland, Wearmouth Bridge GII NZ 3966 5741 SMR 4978
2 Modern Sunderland, Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge GII NZ 3962 5742 SMR 4979
3 Modern Monkwearmouth, Easington Street, North Eastern Railway Stables GII NZ 3933 5764 SMR 17572
4 Modern Deptford, Hanover Place, The King's Arms Public House GII NZ 3896 5763 SMR 4757
5 Modern Monkwearmouth, Wreath Quay Road, Coal Staithe GII NZ 3912 5772 SMR 4760
6 Modern Sunderland, Silksworth Row, No. 26 Livingstone's Public House GII NZ 3905 5706 SMR 4764
7 Modern Sunderland, Gill Bridge Avenue, Magistrates Court GII NZ 3930 5712 SMR 4802
8 Medieval Bishopwearmouth, Church of St. Michael GII* NZ 3928 5695 SMR 161
9 Post Medieval Ayres Quay, Lime Kilns NZ 390 576 SMR 1709
10 Post Medieval Bishopwearmouth, Rector's Park NZ 3927 5718 SMR 5011
11 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Chimney NZ 393 571 SMR 1733
12 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Church of St. Michael, war memorial NZ 392 569 SMR 12007
13 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Collier Row NZ 394 571 SMR 1735
14 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Cottages, Church Lane NZ 3932 5699 SMR 11115
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
AB No. Period Description Status NGR Ref. No.
15 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Fontaine Road, Industrial Housing NZ 393 573 SMR 1739
16 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Galley's Gill, railway tunnel NZ 3909 5750 SMR 5969
17 Modern Bishopwearmouth, High Street West, Central Fire Station NZ 3937 5706 SMR 1734
18 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Low Row, crypt NZ 3922 5693 SMR 8931
19 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Low Row, Victoria Buildings NZ 3922 5696 SMR 11067
20 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Rector's Gill Cemetery NZ 3913 5717 SMR 5010
21 Modern Bishopwearmouth, Tunnel to Lambton and Hetton Staiths NZ 391 574 SMR 1708
22 Modern Bishopwearmouth Conservation Area CA
23 Modern Monkwearmouth, Back North Bridge Street, No. 6, House GII NZ 3961 5789 SMR 4784
24 Modern Monkwearmouth, Barclay Street, No. 57 and wall to north-west GII NZ 3968 5768 SMR 4787
25 Modern Monkwearmouth, Barclay Street, No. 58, Barclay Lodge GII NZ 3965 5768 SMR 4786
26 Modern Monkwearmouth, Monkwearmouth Station GII* NZ 3958 5771 SMR 2751
27 Modern Monkwearmouth, North Bridge Street, Hebron Church GII NZ 3966 5773 SMR 4782
28 Modern Monkwearmouth, Pemberton's Drops Staithes NZ 3923 5759 SMR 2746
29 Modern Monkwearmouth, Stadium of Light. Sunderland AFC (Site 8) NZ 3931 5791 SMR 16920
30 Modern Monkwearmouth, walled lane NZ 3934 5777 SMR 6902
31 Modern Sunderland, Athenaeum Street, railway station NZ 3970 5693 SMR 9692
32 Modern Sunderland, Bridge Street, Church of St. Mary GII NZ 3967 5722 SMR 4747
33 Post Medieval Sunderland, Church Lane, Nos. 1-4, Mowbray Almshouses GII NZ 4048 5727 SMR 4467
34 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, No. 14, Midland Bank GII NZ 3975 5704 SMR 4743
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
AB No. Period Description Status NGR Ref. No.
35 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, No. 19, Shop NZ 3977 5699 SMR 17781
36 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, No. 53, Barclay's Bank GII NZ 3972 5701 SMR 4720
37 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, No. 54, Lloyd's Bank GII NZ 3971 5703 SMR 4744
38 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, Nos. 15-18, Houses now Shops NZ 3976 5691 SMR 17780
39 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, Nos. 21 and 22, Shop and Offices GII NZ 3977 5696 SMR 4719
40 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, Nos. 51 and 52, Subscription Library GII NZ 3972 5700 SMR 4721 NZ 39709 41 Modern Sunderland, Fawcett Street, Nos. 64-66, Royal Bank of Scotland GII SMR 4739 57133 42 Modern Sunderland, Green Terrace, Wall and Railings GII NZ 3929 5680 SMR 4471
43 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Dun Cow Public House GII NZ 3930 5702 SMR 4473
44 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Empire Theatre NZ 3924 5704 SMR 4474
45 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Londonderry Public House NZ 3940 5704 SMR 4475 Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 101-103,1 and 1a Bridge St, Mackie’s 46 Modern GII NZ 3973 5716 SMR 4740 Corner 47 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 104 – 109, Hutchinson’s Buildings GII NZ 3975 5717 SMR 4741
48 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 110, 111 and 112, Bank now Offices GII NZ 3977 5717 SMR 4742
49 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 114 – 118, Poor Law Offices GII NZ 3967 5722 SMR 4748
50 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 1-7, Terrace Houses GII NZ 3924 5701 SMR 4472 Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 211 and 212, and 214 – 217, Terrace 51 Modern GII NZ 3982 5714 SMR 4738 Houses 52 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 52-55 NZ 3946 5712 SMR 17547
53 Modern Sunderland, High Street West, Nos. 95- 100, Walker's Building NZ 3969 5716 SMR 17773
54 Modern Sunderland, Hind Street, Former Gas Board Offices GII NZ 3916 5696 SMR 4763
NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE, SUNDERLAND HERITAGE STATEMENT
AB No. Period Description Status NGR Ref. No.
55 Modern Sunderland, Hind Street, Former Gas Board Offices NZ 3916 5696 SMR 4763 Sunderland, John Street, Nos. 48 - 58 and steps and railings, Terrace 56 Modern GII NZ 3981 5697 SMR 4722 Houses 57 Modern Sunderland, Low Row, Greens Public House GII NZ 3922 5694 SMR 4476
58 Modern Sunderland, St. Thomas' Street, No. 4 River Wear Commissioner’s Office GII NZ 3983 5703 SMR 4723
59 Modern Sunderland, Sunderland Cottages NZ 3 5 SMR 13789
60 Modern Sunderland, Sunderland Polytechnic (now University) NZ 3905 5685 SMR 9690
61 Modern Sunderland, Waterworks Road, Road Surface NZ 391 570 SMR 1746
62 Modern Sunderland. Fawcett Street, Woolworths Building NZ 3976 5691 SMR 17778
63 Modern Deptford, Farringdon Row, 'Standing Stones' NZ 390 576 SMR 11133
64000
59000
KEY Site Boundary
58000
Site Location
57000 0 1000 m
1:25000
Figure 1: Site Location
Project: New Wear Footbridge, Sunderland Date: 07/12/20 Job No: 61354 37000 38000 39000 40000 41000 © Crown Copyright 2016. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 100050237 Drawn by: Pighill KEY
58000 Site Location
Search Area (500m) AB 29 AB 23 Archaeological Features
Listed Building AB 30 AB 27 Bishopwearmouth Conservation Area (AB 22) AB 5 AB 26 AB 24 AB 25 AB 3 AB 4 AB 28 AB 9
AB 63 AB 16
AB 21 AB 2 AB 1 AB 6 AB 7 PERIOD AB 15 AB 49— AB 32 Medieval AB 10 — AB 47 AB 46 — Post Medieval/Modern AB 53 — AB 48 AB 20 AB 52 AB 41 AB 51 AB 40 AB 13 AB 17 AB 34 AB 44 AB 36 AB 11 AB 45 AB 54 AB 50 AB 37 AB 58 57000 AB 35 AB 61 AB 43 AB 14 AB 31 AB 55 AB 8 AB 33 AB 56 AB 12 AB 39 AB 57 AB 19 AB 38 AB 62 AB 18 0 500m AB 60 AB 42 1:10,000
Figure 2: Cultural Heritage Features Map
Project: New Wear Footbridge, Sunderland Date: 07/12/20 Job No: 61354 39000 40000 © Crown Copyright 2016. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 100050237 Drawn by: Pighill
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