Panns Bank Quayside rebuild in Sunderland set to get the go-ahead

A green light to reconstruct a section of Sunderland's riverside quayside is due to be given next week by Sunderland City Council.

The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 15 June is considering a report and update about the section of Panns Quay East that slipped into the River Wear earlier this year.

Contractors and City Council engineers had begun works on investigating cracking in the quayside footpath and noted further movement before the 60m (nearly 200ft) section fell into the river on the night of Tuesday 16 March. Because of water ingress, sections of the piling had become weakened and failed.

A budget of £200,000 was already allocated for preliminary works and a condition survey. The full rebuild is now costed at £1.5m.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Claire Rowntree is due to present the rebuilding update to the Cabinet meeting and a recommendation to agree the next stage of works.

She said:

"Our city's infrastructure, whether it's our bridges, highways or, in this instance, our quayside, are of course all hugely important.

"I'm pleased to report that we can now, after further surveys and costings, look to progressing the rebuild here at the quayside."

The works zone had been fenced off to prevent public access before the collapse. Initial repair and salvage works are already underway to remove debris from the river and prepare the area for the rebuild. Subject to the Cabinet meeting, work could begin next month.

After holding remote meetings during the pandemic, the Cabinet is due to meet in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre from 10am on Tuesday 15 June.