Roker Pier has fully reopened to residents and visitors after a £236,000 restoration project to repair severe damage caused by Storm Babet in October 2023.

The pier and its popular tunnel tours are now available again, weather permitting.

Work began at the end of April, with favourable weather and calm sea conditions allowing contractors to make swift progress. Repairs were completed in July, followed by the installation of new life buoys and updated safety signage.

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The storm had ripped away more than 100 metres of railings and destroyed sections of decking, with the northern and eastern sides of the pier taking the heaviest impact. As a Grade II listed structure first opened in 1903, all repairs required consultation with heritage authorities and were timed to take place during the summer months to avoid rough winter seas.

North East-based Southbay Civil Engineering Limited carried out the repairs, having previously worked on the pier deck slab replacement in 2014.

Public access will continue to be restricted during adverse weather to ensure safety.